David Weidner gives us something to think about and perhaps comment on, namely, “Challenges Facing DCE Ministry,” in the Fall 2009 Issues in Christian Education:

1. The matter of educating the congregations about the vital role of DCEs.  What is a DCE and what can he or she do for the congregation?  DCE training programs at the six Concordia Universities that offer the program have done a great deal to advance the ministry.

2. Discussion of the long-term viability of the profession.  Can an individual continue to be effective as a parish DCE as she or he ages?

3. Another phenomenon impacting the question of longevity is the movement of individuals out of congregationally-based DCE ministry.  Of the 1700 plus individuals certified as DCEs, only 630 remain serving as DCEs in a congregation.

4. In this current economic downturn a major challenge facing numerous DCEs is job security.

5. At the level of actual practice there are practical challenges:  impact of technology on families and teens, new congregational governance structures, team ministry and its tapestry of unique gifts and talents.

“The future is bright for DCEs,” David concludes.  Give the article a read!

When current LCMS church workers were asked by What a Way who influenced them most to consider a church work career, workers said pastors, family, and teachers were the MOST influential.

     29% Pastors

     28% Family

     22% Christian Teachers

     “Our heavenly Father simply loves us [so] much [that] He gives us our deepest desires, but He does so in a way that resources our faith, our relationships, and our vocations in just the right way and at just the right time.  No, we won’t get everything we want, but we will get everything we need.

     And that is all we really need to be content, whether in times of economic uncertainty, this season of Thanksgiving, or all the days appointed for our earthly life.”

     (Dr. William Utech, Associate Professor of Practical Theology, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in November 2009 THE LUTHERAN WITNESS, p. 9)

How can one address the ubiquitous problem of burnout?  1.  Listen to what your body, mind, and spirit are telling you.  2. Resist the poison of unrealistic expectations.  3. Find someone to talk to.  4. Practice progressive knowledge.  Stay in the Word – meditate on it, pray it.  This sound advice was written by Dr. John Hirsch, Director of Congregational and Worker Care, LCMS Texas District, “Burnout has no boundaries,” in October 2009 Texas Messenger.

I want to alert you to a resource “Doorways to Responsible Health.”  It is a collection of 26 health topics presented by 18 different Lutheran physicians and health professionals aimed at good preventative health and wellness for our church workers and laity.  Dr. John Eckrich, Executive Director, Grace Place, believes it is one of the best health resources ever produced in Lutheran circles.  You may preview it in its entirety by accessing our partner’s website:  www.graceplaceretreats.org  and then scroll to Health and Wellness.

If you’re a pastor, teacher, or other professional church worker who is paying off federal student loans, you might benefit from two debt-reduction programs now offered by the U.S. Department of Education.

For those who qualify, the programs can drastically lower monthly payments on student loans, and forgive the unpaid remainder after 10 years of service to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, which may include churches, church-sponsored schools, or other entities.

For information, visit http://www.ibrinfo.org, which features an online calculator that can be used to determine eligibility.

Have you been under the impression that congregational conflict is getting worse? The National Congregations Study of conflict in congregations finds the same frequency of conflict now as 10 years ago.  Cf. LCMS E-News from the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support “Focus on Workers of the Church” 11 Nov 09.