Directors of Christian Education

Contact the Education & Youth Office

1-402-643-2961, 1010
Email Bob Ziegler: bobz@ndlcms.org
Email Candi Menze: candim@ndlcms.org

Bob Ziegler, Education and Youth Ministries

Consults with congregations and commissioned ministers regarding the call proces and ministry opportunities. He is also available to resource congregations in the area of youth ministry.

Candi Menze, Assistant for Education and Youth

Helps with call documents and forms for teachers and DCEs. She is a vital part of coordinating Middle and High School Youth Gatherings, and the District Convention.

The Education Department offers resources and services for education ministry to the congregations employing Directors of Christian Education (DCEs). DCEs are trained by the synod’s universities to lead educational ministry of many kinds in the parish. Often, they specialize in certain areas allowing congregations to call them into specific areas of ministry. DCEs can lead in youth ministry, children’s ministries (including Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Midweek programs), adult discipleship (adult Bible study, small group ministry, and others), age wave ministry for older adults, and family ministry. Directors of Christian Outreach, or DCOs, can help congregations reach out to their mission fields.

The Nebraska District assists in resourcing the needs of congregations and schools blessed with the services of a DCE and to encourage the various education ministry efforts throughout the district. The District helps facilitate the DCE Monthly Meetings, DCE interns, and DCE participation in professional growth events presented nationally by NADCE, regionally by cooperation with neighboring districts, and district wide.

When a congregation considers calling a commissioned DCE, the leaders are asked to contact the District education office for information and consultation. The goal is for the District Office to work closely with the calling congregation or school to discover the candidate the Lord has chosen for His ministry in that place.

Commissioned DCEs who want to consider a change of position begin that process by contacting the District Office for assistance with forms and procedures. Those with questions about their roster status can get help from the District Office. Commissioned DCEs are welcome to talk with Bob Ziegler to discuss reasons for considering a change and to explore ministry alternatives.

DCE Newsletter

Access the Sharing His Heart newsletters published by the Education and Youth office at this link.