What in the world is a DCE? A DCO? Or a Deaconess?
The only office of the church established by God in His Word is the Pastoral Office, yet today there are all kinds of different "professional church workers." So what gives?
Here's how the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod explains it.
The Office of the Public Ministry - it is the divinely established of office referred to in Scripture as "shepherd," "elder," or "overseer." This term is equivalent to "the pastoral office." Within this of office are contained all the functions of the ministry of Word and sacrament in the church.
Auxiliary Offices - These are offices established by the church. Those who are called to serve in them are authorized to perform certain of the function(s) of the office of the public ministry. These offices are "ministry" and they are "public," yet they are not the office of the public ministry. Rather, they are auxiliary to that unique pastoral office, and those who hold these of offices perform their assigned functions under the supervision of 'the holders of the pastoral office. Such offices are established by the church as the need arises, and their specific functions are determined by the church. The most common auxiliary office today is the office of the teaching ministry.
The most common "Auxiliary Office" is that of Lutheran School teacher. In doing this job, teachers assist the pastor in the task of "making disciples."
However, there are other opportunities available as means to serve in the church today, yet I'm sure that most people know little about them.
So...here's a short overview that I found:
Deaconess
Deaconess means “servant.” As a Christian woman in the role of deaconess, you will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of human care and mercy. This may include visiting the sick and homebound, teaching Bible studies, or working with individuals with special needs. Deaconesses serve in congregations, hospitals and other institutions, inner cities and foreign mission fields.
Director of Christian Education
These individuals coordinate with the pastor to focus on the vision and leadership of a congregation's various educational ministries. This can involve all ages, nourishing children, youth, adults, and family groups in Christian instruction and growth in personal faith through Bible classes, Sunday School, Midweek programs, Vacation Bible School, youth programs or outdoor ministry.
Director of Christian Outreach
As a Director of Christian Outreach, you are a valuable member of an outreach-oriented ministry team. Your primary function is to stimulate, educate, mobilize, and support parishioners in witnessing, evangelizing, and assimilating new members. You might also serve in a mission congregation or develop cross-cultural outreach in the United States or on a foreign mission field.
Director of Family Life Ministries
Families with a strong commitment to Christ and a life of service to others provide a positive influence in and throughout the world. As a Director of Family Life Ministry, you will support and equip healthy relationships in families. The Family Life graduate will be certified by the National Council on Family Relations and equipped to develop and implement programming in a congregation to strengthen healthy families. The Director of Family Life Ministry will serve as a partner on a congregation's ministry team.
Director of Parish Music
Music is a delightful, noble gift of God, one of His gifts to His people. As a Director of Parish Music, you will use your talents and spiritual sensitivity to enhance the music life and worship experiences in a congregation. You will give leadership to choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists by playing an integral role in the life of the church and by enhancing your congregation's love for communal worship.
Here's how the Commission on Theology and Church Relations of the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod explains it.
The Office of the Public Ministry - it is the divinely established of office referred to in Scripture as "shepherd," "elder," or "overseer." This term is equivalent to "the pastoral office." Within this of office are contained all the functions of the ministry of Word and sacrament in the church.
Auxiliary Offices - These are offices established by the church. Those who are called to serve in them are authorized to perform certain of the function(s) of the office of the public ministry. These offices are "ministry" and they are "public," yet they are not the office of the public ministry. Rather, they are auxiliary to that unique pastoral office, and those who hold these of offices perform their assigned functions under the supervision of 'the holders of the pastoral office. Such offices are established by the church as the need arises, and their specific functions are determined by the church. The most common auxiliary office today is the office of the teaching ministry.
The most common "Auxiliary Office" is that of Lutheran School teacher. In doing this job, teachers assist the pastor in the task of "making disciples."
However, there are other opportunities available as means to serve in the church today, yet I'm sure that most people know little about them.
So...here's a short overview that I found:
Deaconess
Deaconess means “servant.” As a Christian woman in the role of deaconess, you will share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through acts of human care and mercy. This may include visiting the sick and homebound, teaching Bible studies, or working with individuals with special needs. Deaconesses serve in congregations, hospitals and other institutions, inner cities and foreign mission fields.
Director of Christian Education
These individuals coordinate with the pastor to focus on the vision and leadership of a congregation's various educational ministries. This can involve all ages, nourishing children, youth, adults, and family groups in Christian instruction and growth in personal faith through Bible classes, Sunday School, Midweek programs, Vacation Bible School, youth programs or outdoor ministry.
Director of Christian Outreach
As a Director of Christian Outreach, you are a valuable member of an outreach-oriented ministry team. Your primary function is to stimulate, educate, mobilize, and support parishioners in witnessing, evangelizing, and assimilating new members. You might also serve in a mission congregation or develop cross-cultural outreach in the United States or on a foreign mission field.
Director of Family Life Ministries
Families with a strong commitment to Christ and a life of service to others provide a positive influence in and throughout the world. As a Director of Family Life Ministry, you will support and equip healthy relationships in families. The Family Life graduate will be certified by the National Council on Family Relations and equipped to develop and implement programming in a congregation to strengthen healthy families. The Director of Family Life Ministry will serve as a partner on a congregation's ministry team.
Director of Parish Music
Music is a delightful, noble gift of God, one of His gifts to His people. As a Director of Parish Music, you will use your talents and spiritual sensitivity to enhance the music life and worship experiences in a congregation. You will give leadership to choirs, instrumental ensembles, and soloists by playing an integral role in the life of the church and by enhancing your congregation's love for communal worship.
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