Church Work Preparation

At Concordia, we equip students to serve as the hands and feet of Christ and be His witnesses through our church work programs. Whether you want to be a Lutheran educator or Director of Christian Education or a pastor, deaconess or parish musician, you’ll be prepared to share the love of Jesus around the world.

Church work at Concordia Nebraska
Illustration of Nebraska landmarks

100% geographically mobile church workers obtained positions in three months

  icon_pastor_cutout.pngPre-Seminary/Pre-Deaconess

Pre-seminary and pre-deaconess students major in any program the university offers— history, education, math, art, music, business, to name a few. You'll add language, philosophy and public speaking classes that will give you a solid, well-rounded education before moving on to the seminary.

icon_dce_cutout.pngDirector of Christian Education

Directors of Christian Education help guide and educate God’s people in every stage of their lives. Your academic experience will involve ministry-focused classes, along with classes required to earn a bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, behavioral science or theology to equip you for all aspects of your leadership role in the church. You will also gain experience as a DCE in the field as an intern.

icon_teacher_cutout.pngTeacher

You can combine your passion for your faith with a goal of positively impacting children by pursuing Concordia’s teacher education program. Early childhood, elementary, middle and secondary levels are available, along with English as a Second Language/English Language Learners and special education programs. Concordia Nebraska places the most graduates in Lutheran schools each year.

icon_dpm_cutout.pngDirector of Parish Music

Under the guidance of published composers, experienced church musicians and award-winning faculty, you’ll be equipped to lead through musical praise. Concordia Nebraska has the largest music program among the Concordia University System schools and features a state-of-the-art music technology lab, a 38-rank Casavant Frères organ, a Steinway concert grand piano, 12 other organs, 33 pianos, 27 practice rooms and a recently renovated recital hall.

Our Church Work Students' Impact on the LCMS

We develop more professionals who provide service to the church through their church work careers than any other Concordia. 27% of current LCMS Church Workers who attended a CUS institution were trained at Concordia University, Nebraska.

Fulfill Your Calling

Jonathan wants to serve and help people, and for him, the best way to do that is by becoming a pastor.

“To serve in my future role as a DCE, I want to be able to have the theological answers that they may be seeking, and be able to best teach the children that are going to grow up to become the adults of our denomination.”
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Hannah Birtell

Holdrege, Nebraska
View Hannah's story

“At Concordia, you can unapologetically go into a Christian profession. There is a great community of people interested in the same thing as you, that is unsurpassed by any public institution.”
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Caleb Jalas

Deshler, Neb.
View Caleb's story

“There are so many ministry opportunities on campus. I enjoy being able to worship at chapel and PRAISE. I also enjoy being able to use my gifts to serve through Mission Minded Students and Concordia Youth Ministry.”
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Chloe Dahn

Decatur, Ill.
View Chloe's story

LCMS Church Work Academic Programs

These programs lead to membership on the LCMS roster. Students enrolled in these programs qualify for church work grants and financial aid.

 

Church Music
B.Mus.
Arts icon Church Work icon100%career outcome rate
Director of Christian Education
Church Work icon Education icon Humanities icon100%career outcome rate
Early Childhood Birth-3rd Grade Inclusive Education
B.S.Ed.
Church Work icon Education icon100%career outcome rate
Elementary Education
B.S.Ed.
Church Work icon Education icon100%career outcome rate
Middle Level Education
B.S.Ed.
Church Work icon Education icon100%career outcome rate
Music Education
B.Mus.
Arts icon Church Work icon Education icon Humanities icon98%career outcome rate
Pre-DeaconessChurch Work icon Humanities icon Pre-Professional icon100%career outcome rate
Pre-SeminaryChurch Work icon Humanities icon Pre-Professional icon100%career outcome rate
Secondary Education
B.S.Ed.
Church Work icon Science & Math icon Education icon100%career outcome rate
Special Education
B.S.Ed.
Church Work icon Education icon100%career outcome rate

Contact

Photo of Olivia

Olivia Johnson

Admissions Counselor

Undergraduate Admissions
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Church Work Scholarships

At Concordia Nebraska, we’re dedicated to equipping church workers who will serve The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS) and other Christian denominations through five ordained and commissioned ministries. We seek to prepare you with the knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue your vocation and lead in God’s church.

Explore church work scholarships

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Faith-Based Scholarships

Concordia offerers scholarships to students enrolling in one of the university's church work programs (Director Of Christian Education, Director Of Parish Music, Lutheran Teacher Diploma, Pre-Deaconess and Pre-Seminary).

Find your faith based scholarship