[DCE Youth] NEW!! Christian Education Leadership - Fall 2006
Krentz, Paul
krentztx at txdistlcms.org
Thu Oct 12 11:13:26 CDT 2006
Brothers and Sisters
This is from LEA DCEnet. It is a new quarterly online publication. I
commend it to you. Vanessa Seifert, Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio is
editing. I might also encourage you to join DCEnet. It is worth the
investment of a small annual membership fee.
In Christ
Paul
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Fall 2006
Opening Thoughts
Welcome to the first edition of Christian Education Leadership, (CEL) where
our goal is to promote and foster servant leadership in lifespan ministry
settings. Additional Christian Education Leadership issues will be published
on a quarterly basis. The writers who submit articles come from various
backgrounds, and we welcome articles from those who have a passion for
Christian education.
Christian Education Leadership is not specifically a theological
publication; rather we want readers to be challenged about biblical servant
leadership through the lifespan in areas of Christian education. May God
continue to bless the ministry in which He has called you to serve.
DCE Vanessa Seifert serves as Director of Youth and Family Ministries,
Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, School & Childcare, San Antonio, TX,
and is a member of the LEA DCEnet Leadership Team.
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Servant Leaders Are --
Servants All the Time
I went to Hobby Lobby not long ago with directions to get four plate holders
(those things that sit on a shelf or table and hold dishes upright -- for
display -- sort of like an easel). After walking around the store looking in
places I thought they might be, I was forced to ask a sales clerk at the
register. She directed me to the far corner of the store. Well, I went to
the far corner and found nothing like what I was looking for. After walking
around the store again, I came upon a person stocking and rearranging some
shelves. I explained to her what I was looking for and this was her
response: "At the end of this aisle turn left, go three aisles and turn
right and walk to the end of the aisle. Look around the end of the aisle and
you should find what you are looking for." When I arrived at the end of the
aisle I thought should be the aisle, there again was nothing that resembled
what I was trying to find. And than it hit me: "servant leaders are servants
all the time." Why didn't she just say, "Yes, sir, follow me and I'll show
you where to find them."
Servant-leaders aren't selective!
Servant-leaders aren't selfish!
Servant-leaders serve, whenever and however they can. In fact, they don't
even wait to be asked to help! It's as though they walk around looking for
ways to serve.
You know what? I don't think you truly can be an effective leader unless you
know what it means to serve! That would mean using the phrase,
servant-leader, isn't necessary. Just referring to a person as a leader
defines him/her as a servant! Furthermore, to call a person a servant is the
same as calling him/her a leader!
So what characteristics or traits does a leader have indicating the presence
of a servant posture?
Click below to read all of Jander's article on servant leadership.
Dr. Lou Jander serves as Mission & Ministry Facilitator for the Texas
District LCMS.
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ervantLeaders.pdf> Click to Read Entire Article
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Article On Current Research
Watch this section in our next publication for a current research article by
Dr. Christine Ross, DCE Program Director from Concordia University Irvine,
on the topic of Characteristics of Churches Committed to Intergenerational
Ministry.
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Resource Review
Title of Resource: Partners in Learning: A Family Confirmation Approach-
Book A
Authors: Jeffrey Kunze, Gregory Sawyer, Wayne Schroeder, Roger Sonnenberg,
Timothy Wesemann
Publisher: CPH
Date Published: 2001
Number of Pages: Student Workbook 78, Leader Guide 160
Cost: Student Workbook $12, Leader Guide $22
Purpose
This curriculum presents the six chief parts of the Small Catechism in
conjunction with Bible Study to serve as an all-inclusive confirmation
approach. The lessons can be presented in a classroom format, small groups,
or by mentoring relationships. The activities and assignments along with the
instructional methods promote relationships between the confirmand and their
parents as well as a mentor. The program begins with an intentional question
of "Are you ready to be confirmed?" by presenting the scriptural passages
the Lutheran church traditionally bases confirmation on and asks the
students and their families to prayerfully consider them. It also promotes
families to be active in the learning process and in worship life.
Issues Addressed
The curriculum addresses the six chief parts of the Catechism as well as
both Old and New Testament Bible stories. The lessons include an
introduction activity, a "Table Talk" time that presents a story with
discussion questions. Then, it transitions into Bible study outlining
passages to read and providing a question guide which ties together the
Bible story and Catechism. Each week there is a humorous "drama" script
which could either be acted out or read through by the students which
provides a connection for the concepts from the day.
Major Assertions
It should be assumed that the class has at least 75-90 minutes for the
lesson to be completed. In addition to being lengthy, many questions assume
that there are other adults in the class besides the instructor. It may be
beneficial to have at least two other adults working with the lesson each
week. The lessons also assume you will assign out of class reading of the
Small Catechism or Exploring Luther's Small Catechism.
Usefulness
The curriculum is quite useful in that it may work to prevent the
forgetfulness created in the normal 2- year confirmation curriculum. By
putting both the study of the catechism and scriptural study together,
retention may be stronger. CPH also recently published a Book B to the
series which can be a supplement to this curriculum.
I find it extremely useful in the small group setting or with small class
size. The questions are pointed enough, yet still relational and relevant to
get the students to understand these concepts while applying them to their
individual lives.
Reading/ Viewing Difficulty
The lessons are quite easy to understand for the instructor while
challenging for the students. I would rate a 1 on ease of instruction and
reading preparation and a 4 or 5 for challenging, yet well presented,
questions for the students.
Recommendations
This curriculum is a keeper for any congregation looking for a fresh
approach to confirmation as well as getting parents or congregational
mentors involved. The presentation works on the student's level while
keeping a strong catechetical and Scriptural framework.
Suzanne Stewart, DCE Intern, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Sonora, CA.
For more on Partners in Learning
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DCEnet News
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DCEnet LEADERSHIP TEAM MEETS
The DCE network of Lutheran Education Association (LEA) was represented at
the annual meetings of LEA on September 14-16, 2006, by Vanessa Seifert and
Cindy Twillman of the DCEnet Leadership Team. Audrey Duensing-Werner, the
newest member of the Leadership Team was unable to attend. Joining the
Leadership Team in their meetings were Dr. Debbie Arfsten of Concordia
University Chicago, representing the directors of the DCE programs, and Jim
Bradshaw, Kansas District Executive, representing District Executives. It
was great to have Dr. Arfsten and Jim present with us as we seek to advance
the partnership between LEA DCEnet, the Concordia University System and the
District Offices. Jim Lohman from the Synodical office was unable to attend
due to a family obligation.
The following topics were addressed during our meetings. Please be watching
for more information on these items and their impact on Christian education
ministry.
* The start of this e-publication which will provide additional
resources for DCEs and those who join us in Christian education ministries.
* The status of a research project on the career path of DCEs. Steps
to be taken in the future to complete it were also discussed
* The Annual DCE Summit is scheduled for Thursday and Friday, February
1 - 2, 2007, in St. Louis. As we will be holding the Summit at the
International Center, it is the intent of the Leadership Team to set up
meetings with several individuals at the Synodical level to advocate for DCE
ministry. One individual with whom we hope to connect during the Summit is
Dr. Perry Bresemann to discuss the new procedures related to the Lutheran
Education Information Form (LEIF).
* The future of the National DCE Conference. Those present
brainstormed ways of adding regional events in the years in which there is
no National Youth Gathering and no National DCE Conference.
Thank you for the opportunity and the privilege to serve you as you serve
the church! It is the goal of the DCEnet Leadership Team to help link, equip
and affirm you as you serve God and His church. If you have any questions or
suggestions for the DCEnet Leadership Team, please feel free to contact us
through the email address provided for Vanessa Seifert, below. In Service to
you and our awesome God!
DCE Cindy Twillman
DCEnet Chair
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KINDLE News
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KINDLE is at a significant crossroads in its history! A few short years ago
it was the dream of only a few people. Today, by the grace of God, much has
been accomplished.
* 67 people have experienced the KINDLE Learning Cycle
* Hundreds of lay leaders have learned about servant leadership
through the KINDLE strands, practices and outcomes
* A $1,000,000 endowment has been raised!
* St. Mary's, where the KINDLE Learning Events are held, has become a
special place for KINDLE Associates
* All this and more by a group of dedicated folks volunteering their
time!
In order to best use its time, the KINDLE Board of Directors, at its recent
meeting, made the decision to forego the 2007 Learning Cycle so that efforts
can be focused on revisiting its mission and vision. The Learning Event
dates will be used to meet with various individuals to review KINDLE's past
and chart its future. Please pray for the KINDLE leadership during this
exciting, but critical time. Feel free to share your thoughts about KINDLE's
future with any board member.
With that said, plans are already being made for the 2008 KINDLE Learning
Cycle and applications are being accepted.
Oct 1-4, 2007 -- 2008 Learning Event # 1
Jan 28-31, 2008 -- 2008 Learning Event # 2
Aug 11-14, 2008 -- 2008 Learning Event # 3
Please consider applying for KINDLE 2008. It could be a life-changing
experience!!
DCE Jack Giles
KINDLE Board of Directors
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Concordia DCE Program Update
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For the 2006-07 academic year, total enrollment in the DCE program in the
Concordia University system, along with Concordia, Alberta, is 478 students.
There are 284 females (59%) and 194 males (41%). Included in this number are
62 interns, two of those being overseas.
Also, we welcome two new DCE program directors who began their positions
this past summer: Dean Hansen (Concordia, Portland) and Kevin Hall
(Concordia, St. Paul).
DCE Debbie Arfsten, Ph.D.
Concordia University Chicago
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District News
This section, "District News," will feature those items (conferences,
workshop topics, seminars, books and authors, leadership tid-bits) that your
District (or congregations within your District) might be employing in the
near future pertaining to leadership development opportunities for Christian
educators, both professional and lay, across the lifespan.
Ministry tools will be posted in upcoming CEL issues under "District News."
Deadlines to submit District news items for the 2007 issues of CEL are:
December 11, 2006; March 19, 2007; June 18, 2007; and, September 17, 2007.
We invite you to routinely submit this information to Jim Bradshaw, Kansas
District Education Executive, at <mailto:jbradshaw at kslcms.org>
jbradshaw at kslcms.org. We will all be able to benefit from these ministry
tools as the Spirit leads us in implementing District training events to
foster servant leadership.
DCE Jim Bradshaw
Kansas District Education Executive
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Quick Links
DCE
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_education%2Fdce.asp> Program - Concordia Chicago
DCE
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Irvine
DCE
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Nebraska
DCE
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Program - Concordia Portland
DCE
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St. Paul
DCE
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Texas
DCENet
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KINDLE
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Lutheran
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Contact Information
DCE Vanessa Seifert
DCEnet Resource Coordinator
Email: <mailto:vseifert at shlutheran.org> vseifert at shlutheran.org
Phone: 210.614.3742
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Christian
Education
Leadership
Published quarterly by:
* DCE District Executives
* DCE Program Schools
* KINDLE
* LEA DCENet
Permission is granted to copy this newsletter for local ministry use.
Are you interested in submitting a lead article, research article, or
resource review for Christian Education Leadership? Contact the editor,
Vanessa Seifert at VSeifert at shlutheran.org for writing guidelines and
details.
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