Bachelor of Arts in Director of Church Ministries

Program

Theology Major
Church Ministries Minor

Credits

126

Sample Careers

Director of Ministries
Outreach Coordinator
Family and Youth Director

Financial Aid

The average undergraduate student award is $23,395. Learn about financial aid.

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).”

Program Videos

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.

Testimonial

Over the past four years in the Director of Church Ministries program, I’ve grown in my faith more than ever through the classes and Christ-centered relationships with my peers and professors. I’m so sad to say goodbye to it, but excited to go into the mission field equipped with everything I’ve learned and what God will continue to teach me.

Rachel Lingsch / Current Student, BA in Director of Church Ministries

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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Undergraduate

Undergraduate application steps

For first-time freshmen and transfer students:

Complete our online application
Provide Official High School Transcripts (college transcripts, if applicable)

Optionally, high school seniors may provide their ACT score.

Curriculum

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Core Requirements		45
Theology Major (see Theology for major requirements)		36
Church Ministries Minor		23
Electives		22
Total Hours		126

This major/minor is not permitted to share (overlap) any credits with the core curriculum, with a major, with a minor, or with a certificate per departmental policy unless otherwise specified in the curriculum.

Church Ministries Minor Requirements

Course List
Code	Title	Hours
Required Courses
COMM 2100	Interpersonal Communication This course studies why communication breaks down in interpersonal relationships, focusing on such topics as perception, self-concept, non-verbals, listening, gender, self-disclosure, power, and conflict. Assignments lead students to a greater awareness of their strengths and weaknesses as communicators.	3
HHP 2209	First Aid and CPR This course follows the requirements and methodology of the American Red Cross. The program is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to prevent, recognize, and provide basic care for injuries and sudden illnesses of adults, children or infants until medical professionals arrive and take over. The skills covered are essential for everyone; however, successful completion of the course will not qualify one as a health care professional. AED instruction is included.	2
REL 2630	Communicating Bible Messages This course examines the preparation and delivery of devotional messages based on a careful study of the biblical text. Classroom discussions center on the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, the correct interpretation of biblical texts, the structure of effective devotional messages, and the techniques of delivering these messages. Religious education elective. Prerequisites: (REL 100, 1000, 201, 2010, 203 or 2020) and (REL 110, 204, 1100 or 2030).	3
Any REL course above REL 2030		3
Additional REL course above REL 2030		3
Specialization (see program director for details)
Specialization Course I		3
Specialization Course II		3
Specialization Course III		3
Total Hours		23

Note: See Theology for theology major requirements.

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