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.
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