Because the Church needs faithful Aarons, too

The beauty of “the Body of Christ” is that each of its members has a unique and vital role to play. The same goes for church workers. While the Church needs well-trained ministers for the pastoral office, it also needs “Faithful Aarons” who can support the work of their pastors. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to “hold up the prophet’s hands.” Concordia’s Director of Church Ministries (DCM) program will provide you with the theological training and skills to make an impact wherever you are asked to serve.

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Program Overview

The Director of Church Ministries (DCM) program equips men and women to serve as a Director of Church Ministries (DCM) in congregations where the church worker solicits, trains and deploys lay people within the congregation to serve in a variety of service capacities. The Director of Church Ministries Program requires a theology major and a minor in church ministries. Within the church ministries minor the student chooses to specialize in one out of five possible ministry areas: evangelism, missions, parish teaching, youth ministry, and pre-deaconess (for women who intend to enroll in the deaconess programs at either of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod seminaries). By careful use of electives students can add a second specialization. 

While all courses and doctrine are taught in accord with the Lutheran confessions, men and women of any denomination are welcome to join this program. Only members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod will be certified and may be eligible to be rostered with the LCMS as a “Minister of Religion Commissioned—Director of Church Ministries (DCM).”

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What to Expect

As a Director of Church Ministries (DCM) graduate, you will be prepared to be a professional church worker, assisting the pastor in developing and leading congregation ministries. This may include supporting Bible studies, community outreach, mercy work, and administrative duties. And because no two graduates will have the exact same roles, you’ll benefit from management and leadership courses that will help you adapt to any situation.

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Licensure / Certifications
Students who have completed full program requirements and are a current member of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod will receive certification. Students may be eligible to receive a called position in a congregation or recognized service organization of the church and may be eligible to be placed on the roster of the synod as a "Commissioned Minister of Religion - Director of Church Ministries (DCM)."

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