The Future of DCE Ministry. The future of the Church.

I am headed to Austin, Texas tomorrow to join in the celebration of the retirement of my friend, Paul Krentz.  For over nineteen years Paul has served the Texas District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod as a Mission and Ministry Facilitator (MM&F) for Area B (roughly northeast corner of Texas).  Paul and I are both trained and certified as directors of Christian education (DCE).  Under the previous structure, I served the Texas District as parish assistant for youth and education on a part-time basis.  God had other plans for me under the new structure and I moved on to Lutheran High School of Dallas, instead of moving into one of the MM&F positions. 

In some ways I am melancholy about Paul's retirement, because I fear it is the end of an era.  In the 80's and 90"s many DCE's served at both a district and national level.  Some served in MM&F type positions, others were on the Synod's youth ministry staff or were curriculum writers.  One even served as special assistant to the Synod President.   DCE's are trained educators   Some work with children, youth and their families.  Others specialize in adult education.  Many stand on the cutting edge in terms of goal setting and developing strategies.  That skill set should make them attractive to district and synod leaders who were looking for individuals who could equip others.  That has changed over the last ten years.  Paul was one of the few DCE's still serving on a district staff.  To my knowledge, there are none on the national staff.  When those positions are open these days, they filled with pastors.

Do not get me wrong: I am not anti clergy.  How could I be when both of our sons are pastors?  The problem I see is that most pastors are generalist.  Granted, they do have the theological training, but most do not have the background in education and youth ministry.  I would think that in putting together a staff on both a local, district and national level you want individuals who bring a variety of gifts.  Who better understands the needs of millennials?

Some of my DCE peers have even expressed concern about the future of the office of DCE.  One went to far as to say they would not recommend any young person enrolling in a DCE program.  "There is no future for DCE ministry."  If that is the case, I am sad.  I grieve because of the children, teens and parents who might not have the benefit of having a specialist who can minister to them.

Don't Worry about the Competition

We had trouble finding a place to park at church yesterday.  We attend a small, but growing, church plant that worships in the fine arts building at Dallas Lutheran School. On a typical Sunday there are less than fifty of us.  To my surprise, yesterday the streets were parked full and a policeman was directing traffic.  Explanation: The Buddhist Center of Dallas is located next store to the school and yesterday they were celebrating the Buddhist New Year.  The Buddhist Center has an agreement with the school that allows them to use the parking lot, so this week we had to share space.  In this age of religious diversity, it is not  uncommon to find Buddhist, Muslim and Hindu worship centers around Dallas.  Of course, there have always been Mormon houses of worship, along with Christian Science and Jehovah Witness meeting halls.

There are some who find this trend disconcerting.  After all, we think of ourselves as being a "Christian" nation.  I read a report from Pew Research last week that might add fuel to the fire.  Christianity is growing, but not at the rate of other world religions, especially Islam.  The report projected population growth in a forty year period from 2010 to 2050. Islam, in particular, is the fastest growing group.  In 2010, Muslims represented 23% of the world population, but that will swell to 29% by 2050.  Christianity will grow slightly, but because of the increased population in other parts of the world, the percentage of Christians in the world will remain constant at 31.7%. There are some among us who have expressed concern over the growth of Islam in the United States. Some have expressed fear that the Muslims really are intent on taking over our country.

What I find most troubling about this is the fact that Christianity seems to be on the defensive.  In my mind this runs counter to what Jesus intended.  After all, in the Great Commission Jesus commanded his followers to "make disciples of all nations."  (Matthew 28:19)  Our goals should be to share the Good News with all.  We have the only real hope.  Only Christianity is based on the belief that God came down to man, rather than man trying to reach God.  We have a living Savior who forgives our sins.  In marketing terms, we have the ultimate product.  The disappointing thing is that we cannot even maintain our young followers.

In my mind we need to focus on being Jesus' disciples in this world, and not worry about the competition.

RFRA - WWJD

I am having a difficult time with the discussion about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.  I  get uncomfortable when religion end up on the front page, because the reference is usually negative.  In my opinion much of the world already has a negative view of us as Christians.  One of the issues that millennials take with the church is that  we are known more for what we are against, than for what we stand for. 

As I understand it, the issue came to the forefront because a bakery refused to provide a cake for a wedding based on their religious principles.  In this case the couple being married were of the same sex.  From a religious perspective,  the baker believed a marriage between people of the same sex goes against the Bible.  While I share that biblical perspective, I have to wonder about the approach. 

I recall the WWJD bracelets that were in style decades ago.  When it comes to extending a ministry or a service to others, would Jesus refuse based on the other persons belief or lifestyle?  In response to the question, "What would Jesus do?" I think the response is he would serve them.  Remember, we have a Savior to reached out to lepers and prostitutes.  He dined with tax collectors and was not opposed to spending time with the Pharisees either.  While we do not know much about the adult years prior to his ministry, we do know he was a carpenter.  I doubt that Jesus refused to build furniture for folks just because they held a different political perspective or lived a lifestyle he did not approve of.

Jesus gave the command to love others.  He demonstrated that love by going to the cross.  When he died, his sacrifice was for all people.  There is no room for a "No Shoes, No Service" sign outside a church.  Likewise there should be no policy that states we refuse to serve gays and lesbians.  They need to know the love of Jesus.  For that to happen we need to have a relationship with them.  Providing service, or selling them a product might just open the door for that to happen.