Concordia Students attend National Association of Directors of Christian Education conference

The National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE) conducted their annual conference in Boca Raton, Florida, from January 21-23.  

This year, four Concordia University, Nebraska students, Kayla Korb, Brianna Pike, Cole Buckley and Ardin Mignea, attended the conference. One of the main draws to the conference for the students was the opportunity to build their network of professional connections and to learn from people with many years of experience in their chosen career.  

“I decided to attend this conference because it is rare at this stage of one’s professional development to find a place where experts in that field gather,” said senior Brianna Pike. “Being able to learn about the profession I am entering into and allowing those who have come before me to pour into me as a person has prepared me to step into ministry, serving God and my neighbors to the best of my abilities.”  

“It helped strengthen my calling to be the hands and feet of God’s ministry, knowing that I am not alone and have plenty of partners in ministry.”

The conference involved time for students to worship, listen to keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions. They also offered randomized small groups that met daily to discuss the conference and what they were experiencing in their current vocations. One of the nights, the conference hosted a banquet to recognize some of the people currently serving The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as DCEs. There was also an alumni event for all Concordia Nebraska alumni and the group was able to spend some time at the beach.  

Junior Cole Buckley said that the conference helped strengthen his calling to the ministry. 

“My takeaways from the event were that I am not alone in the struggles I am facing and that no two ministry experiences are identical. It helped strengthen my calling to be the hands and feet of God’s ministry, knowing that I am not alone and have plenty of partners in ministry,” he said.  

Senior Kayla Korb said, “This was my first time going to this conference, and it was a blast getting to know not only the DCEs in the field but also the other three students who came along. We grew closer together, and at school we can remind others to rest assured that we are seen by God and sustained in His grace.” 

Concordia University, Nebraska prepares Christian educators who in turn equip people of all ages in congregations for their ministries in various contexts. Concordia focuses on the Christian education leader as educator, instructional leader, administer, care action minister consultant and researcher. Learn more here.