I began supervising Director of Christian Education (DCE) Interns in April of 1986. Now, 26 years later, I know that God is calling me to close this chapter of my life as I move into other areas of service.
Supervising DCE Interns has been one of the greatest joys of my ministry. Intern supervision allows for coaching and supporting women and men who are testing their wings as ministers of Word and Service, providing leadership in the lifespan educational ministries of the Church. The DCE is a diaconal minister, who is a teacher of the faith.
Working with DCE Interns has been a constant source of learning. One of the joys of this ministry has been working with DCE Interns of a variety of ages. The youngest intern to begin service was 20 and, if memory serves me, the oldest began internship at age 52. What a wealth of questions, transitions, and insights. The interns and I journeyed together in some rather powerful (and at times humorous) ways.
The DCE offers a powerful ministry to the Church and I thank God that I have had 42 years of serving through this ministry. In that span, I have worked with every age group from early childhood to my current work with aging populations. Most of the time, however, has been spent in youth and young adult ministries. The interns also served all of those populations (one is now serving in a congregation that offers adult daycare for those with memory loss).
DCE Interns provide strong service to the Church as they learn and grow. It has been a privilege to walk with them………but, now a new chapter opens.
