DCEs meet for study, sharing

Members of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE) hold table discussions at the 2024 NADCE conference. (NADCE)

The National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE) held its biennial conference Jan. 31–Feb. 2 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Houston. The conference theme, “Making Space,” reflected the gathering’s focus on clearing away the things in life that are not important so as to make space for the things that are most important.

Hailey Jo Miller, a director of Christian education (DCE) who serves as member-at-large on the NADCE board, has been attending these conferences for many years. Miller said, “The goal of the NADCE board is to provide a professional conference that supports DCEs and others who work in Christian education in both their professional and personal lives. The board was impressed, but not surprised, with the faithfulness of the planning committee to this year’s theme and with their attention to every detail. We would like to give a huge shout-out to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church for their hospitality and expression of God’s love toward all their guests.”

The keynote speaker, Dr. Mark Mayfield, focused on “clearing, creating and cultivating.” He compared removing the “debris” of life to preparing a path where a new road is to be built. Mayfield, a licensed counselor, is author of the book The Path to Wholeness.

Included in the conference is an evening banquet that celebrates selected individuals for their service. Honored this year were:

Master DCE — Cheri Selander, Christ Lutheran Church, La Mesa, Calif., and Jeremy Becker, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Plantation, Fla.;

Outstanding New DCE — Madison Patrow, Messiah Lutheran Church, Lakeville, Minn.; and

Dale E. Griffin Master Statesman — Jim Bradshaw, recently retired education executive for the LCMS Kansas District.

The award recipients were nominated and selected by their peers and ministry partners.

Honored at the 2024 NADCE conference were, from left to right, Jeremy Becker (Master DCE), Madison Patrow (Outstanding New DCE), Cheri Selander (Master DCE) and Jim Bradshaw (Dale E. Griffin Master Statesman). (NADCE)

In addition to providing an opportunity to learn, the conference enables attendees to spend time among their peers, connecting and encouraging one another. Aiden Jenik, a DCE student from Concordia University, Nebraska, Seward, Neb., valued the chance to converse with fellow DCEs.

“I’m in a much different spot than a lot of the DCEs here since I am still in school,” Jenik said, “but being here, surrounded by DCEs willing to give honest answers, confirmed where I am already heading. Thanks be to God.”

Retired DCE Cyndi Alviani said that she found much to appreciate, even as a retired worker. “This conference was so well organized and wonderfully executed,” Alviani said. “[It had] engaging speakers, excellent worship sessions and plenty of opportunities to connect with old friends and meet new. I’m so glad I went.”

About NADCE

The National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE) is an LCMS Recognized Service Organization that serves directors of Christian education and other church professionals responsible for teaching the faith in a variety of settings, including local parishes, schools, districts and universities. The organization’s mission is to support and promote Christian education by providing advocacy, professional connections and resources for its members.

Members pay an annual fee to join, but the fee is waived for DCE students and interns. Membership includes a subscription to the NADCE Quarterly, which offers reflections and resources for DCEs.

Learn more about the NADCE.

Posted April 11, 2024