Twenty years for unique program

Church work students in 1994 with program director Leannette Lietzau: Lori Schultz (Grabbatten) DPS student; Lara Fraser, education; Cheryl Jurke (Constable) DPS student; Tim Klein, education.

by Jennifer Shack and Paul Schoepp

The role of teaching in the church is as old as the church itself where important teachers of the faith have taught people about Jesus’ love for them and showed them how to live their God-given faith, responding in love towards Him and others. For the young and old alike in Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC), Directors of Parish Services (DPS) have often filled the role of “teacher of the faith.”

The roots of DPS ministry go back to The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod when, in the early 20th century, larger congregations with parochial schools asked some of their teachers to serve the congregation as full-time Sunday school administrators, youth leaders, and adult Bible study leaders. This movement gave birth to the Director of Christian Education (DCE) ministry at the 1959 LCMS synodical convention. Over the years, Canadians benefitted when DCEs and other trained workers such as deaconesses, parish assistants, youth staff, and certified lay workers were called north to serve.

When LCC became autonomous in 1988 one of its priorities was training church workers in Canada. The 1990 LCC synodical convention adopted a resolution encouraging Concordia College (now University College) to develop “church work programs in addition to the pastoral and teacher church work programs already in existence.” This resolution was the impetus for establishing DPS ministry and built on a decade of previous conversations and convention resolutions on the same subject. Thus, 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the key decision which sparked the implementation of DPS ministry in our church body.

Jeannette Lietzau, Concordia College’s first director of Church Work Programs, was charged with developing the program. Before working out details, Ms. Lietzau and a committee asked clergy and lay people from across the synod for input through a survey and private communications. People shared their thoughts on what kind of training should be provided, whether a need existed for these workers, and what these workers should be called. Eventually, the committee chose the title Director of Parish Services. In the winter of 1994 Concordia introduced the first courses in the program and the church placed its first DPS candidates in 1997.

Since then Concordia has certified 33 men and women as DPSs through both undergraduate studies and colloquy.

Recent research by Dr. Paul Schoepp, current director of Church Work Programs, reported that the average length of service for DPSs at their first placement was three years with 11 moving on to serve a second congregation (average length of service five years) and two serving a third congregation (average length of service two years). The overall average total length of service for a DPS is 4.7 years, which includes those who have 14 potential years of service and those who graduated only one year ago. Currently, 11 DPSs serve LCC congregations and 13 are on candidate status meaning they are not currently serving a congregation for a variety of reasons (generally due to family responsibilities) but are eligible to receive a call in the future.

The same research asked the DPSs how they spend their ministry time. About half reported they spent a ‘major amount’ of their ministry time teaching the faith (53.8 percent); and providing leadership and direction (48.1 percent). Approximately one-half to two-thirds reported they spend a ‘moderate amount’ of their ministry time providing educational resources; teaming with the pastor and other staff ; carrying out administrative tasks; recruiting and supporting volunteers; and serving the church-at-large.

At the core of the DPS program of study is a strong emphasis on Scripture and acquiring an ability to interpret and convey it through the confessional standards of the Lutheran church. This is accomplished through a 45 credit-hour religious studies major. Additionally, a 24 credit-hour parish services minor prepares DPS students to teach and equip others and to work with people at all stages of life. The program also has a significant hands-on component. Students fulfil required field work experiences while on campus and a full-year internship to further sharpen skills and attitudes.

As a young and growing vocation DPS ministry provides an opportunity for men and women to serve their Lord and their church as teachers of the faith and assist with other ministry responsibilities such as visitation, outreach, administration and music. Director of Parish Services ministry provides congregations an opportunity to call a trained diaconal worker to serve alongside the pastor and people as together they share the love of Jesus.

Deacon Jennifer Shack (DPS) is currently completing a Masters of Religious Studies at Concordia University College of Alberta where Dr. Paul Schoepp is director of Church Work Programs.

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