This policy manual provides a means for formalized, systematic documentation and communication of established and accepted practices of the board of directors for the National Association of Directors of Christian Education (NADCE).

This document is used as a reference for past actions, and current quandary. It is to be used as a guide for the board of directors, not as a rule of law that inhibits or negatively affects future decisions or actions. The board of directors retains control; this policy manual provides a history of decisions and acceptable policies established to properly govern the National Association of Directors of Christian Education. Policies can be modified and changed at any time by a simple majority vote of the board of directors. Approved changes will take effect immediately.

As such this manual should be reviewed, updated and approved every two years by the board of directors just before the newly elected members of the board begin their terms.

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Table of ContentsINTRODUCTION 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS 3

Articles of Incorporation 3

Bylaws 7

NOMINATION AND ELECTION OF BOARD OF DIRECTORS 14

Request for Nominations 15

Open Election Ballot Notice 16

NADCE CONFERENCE 17

LCMS CONFERENCE PRESENCE 18

NADCE QUARTERLY 19

NADCE Quarterly Editor Job Description 20

NADCE Quarterly Assistant Editor Job Description 21

DCE SUMMIT 22

DCE AWARDS 23

Nominee Request Letter 25

Nominee Information Form 26

NADCE Award Winners 27

Award Certificate Templates 28

NADCE TRAVEL POLICY (ADD)

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Constitution and BylawsNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

THE UNDERSIGNED, acting as the incorporator of National Association of Directors of Christian Education, a Missouri nonprofit corporation (Corporation), herewith executes and adopts the following Articles of Incorporation.

ARTICLE I

Name

1.1 The name of the Corporation is National Association of Directors of Christian Education, the acronym for which is “NADCE”.

ARTICLE II

Purposes

2.1 The corporation is formed for the following purpose(s): charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or corresponding section of any future federal tax code.

2.2 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Articles, the Corporation may engage in any lawful activity permitted by the Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act (Act); provided, however, that the Corporation shall not conduct or carry on any activity not permitted to be carried on by a corporation exempt from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law), or by a corporation, contributions to which are deductible under Section 170 of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provision of any future United States Internal Revenue Law).

ARTICLE III

Powers

3.1 The Corporation shall have and possess all rights and powers conferred upon nonprofit corporations by the Act and any enlargement of such rights and powers conferred by subsequent legislative acts; and, in addition thereto, the Corporation shall have and exercise all rights and powers not otherwise denied

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ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

nonprofit corporations by the laws of the State of Missouri as are necessary, suitable, proper, convenient or expedient to the attainment of the purposes of the Corporation set forth in Article II herein.

ARTICLE IV

Members

4.1 Voting members in the Corporation, with full power to vote and to hold office shall be open to all rostered Commissioned ministers of religion classified as Directors of Christian Education (DCEs) of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LC-MS), which includes active, candidate, non-candidate and emeritus status.

4.2 Non-voting members in the Corporation include:

A. Other Commissioned Minister of Religion or Ordained Ministers of the LC-MS who are responsible for the faith formation of children, youth and adults.

B. Students enrolled in a DCE training program in the Concordia University System.

C. Others interested in Lutheran Christian Education.

4.3 Membership will be on a yearly basis. Membership renewal then will occur on the anniversary date of initial membership.

ARTICLE V

Governance

5.1 The Corporation shall be under the complete control of a Board of Directors consisting of not less than seven (7) nor more than eleven (11) directors, which shall be responsible for the administration of the affairs of the Corporation in accordance with the purposes for which the Corporation has been organized.

5.2 Directors shall be individuals who are members in good standing of congregations which hold membership in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Additional qualifications for directors, the manner of election, and terms of office shall be as provided in the Bylaws of the Corporation.

ARTICLE VI

Registered Office & Agent

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6.1 The address of the Corporation’s registered office is 505 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122 and the name of its registered agent at such address is _________________.

ARTICLE VII

Indemnification of Directors, Officers & Employees

7.1 To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall indemnify any individual who was or is a named defendant or respondent, or is threatened to be made a named defendant or respondent, to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative and whether formal or informal, other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation, by reason of the fact that such individual is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against judgments, penalties, fines, amounts paid in settlement and reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, actually incurred by such individual in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

7.2 To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall indemnify any individual who was a named defendant or respondent to any completed action, suit or proceeding by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such individual is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, actually incurred by such individual in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he or she acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation.

7.3 The indemnity provided for by this Article VII shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which those indemnified may be otherwise entitled, nor shall the provisions of this Article VII be deemed to prohibit the Corporation from extending its indemnification to cover other individuals or activities to the extent permitted by law or pursuant to any provision in the Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws.

ARTICLE VIII

Distributions Prohibited

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8.1 No part of the net earnings of the Corporation shall inure to the benefit of, or be distributable to, directors, officers, or employees of the Corporation or other private individuals (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to or for the Corporation in effecting one or more of its purposes); and no director, officer, employee or private individual shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets on dissolution of the Corporation.

ARTICLE IX

Effect of Dissolution

9.1 Upon the dissolution of the Corporation, the Board of Directors shall, after paying or making provisions for the payment of all liabilities of the Corporation, distribute all remaining assets of the Corporation equally to the missions and ministry of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, or if either entity is not in existence or does not qualify as an exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (or the corresponding provisions of any future United States Internal Revenue Law) at the time of dissolution of the Corporation, than the assets which would have otherwise been distributed to said entity shall be distributed to those Lutheran organizations selected by the Board of Directors which at the time of dissolution qualify as exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and if there are no such organizations so organized, operated and qualified at the time of the dissolution of the Corporation, then the assets remaining after paying or making provisions for the payment of liabilities of the Corporation shall be distributed to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for religious purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as selected by the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE X

Amendments

10.1 Any alteration, amendment, or repeal of these Articles of Incorporation, or any provision thereof, shall require the affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then in office; provided, however, that no amendment may be adopted which changes or affects in any way the exempt status of the Corporation as an organization existing exclusively for charitable or religious purposes.

ARTICLE XI

Incorporators

11.1 The name and street address of the incorporators are as follows:505 South Kirkwood RoadKirkwood, MO 63122

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed these Articles of Incorporation as of ________________, 2009.

____________________________________________________, Incorporator

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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Purpose

We are the professional organization for Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS) Directors of Christian Education (DCEs). A DCE is defined as ". . .a Synodically certified, called and commissioned lifespan education leader prepared for team ministry in a congregational setting." (Adopted at the 1999 DCE Summit). This organization also serves DCEs serving in districts, universities, and other nontraditional ministry settings. In addition, NADCE will serve other commissioned workers who in their ministry setting are responsible for the faith formation of children, youth and adults (Ephesians 4:12-16). The Corporation will equip the members with such knowledge, attitudes, skills, and inspiration so that they may become increasingly effective in their role as ministers in the mission of the Church, especially in their role as educational leaders.

BYLAW I

Offices

1.1 Principal Office . The principal office of National Association of Directors of Christian Education shall be located at: 505 South Kirkwood Road / Kirkwood, MO 63122

1.2 Registered Office & Agent. The Corporation shall have and continuously maintain in the State of Missouri a registered office and a registered agent. The Corporation may have other offices, within or without the State of Missouri, as the Board of Directors may determine from time to time.

BYLAW II

Board of Directors

2.1 General Powers. The Board of Directors shall have charge of and administer all business and legal affairs of the Corporation.

2.2 Number & Qualification. The Board of Directors shall consist of not less than seven (7) nor more than eleven (11) Directors. A minimum of six Directors must be LCMS Rostered DCEs, four of whom shall serve as the officers. Other Directors shall be LCMS individuals who have executive experience in the fields of Christian education, business, law, accounting, public relations, financial services or development. Officers should have a minimum of ten (10) years in rostered ministry experience in the LCMS. At-large members must have at least four (4) years of ministry-related experience. Although the number of Directors may be

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BYLAWS

changed from time to time by resolution of the Board, no such change shall affect an incumbent Director during his or her current term of office.

2.3 Election & Term of Office. Each Director shall be elected to a four (4) year term. The terms of the Directors shall be staggered so that the term of no more than four (4) directors shall expire in any year. Each Director shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, unless his or her service is earlier terminated because of death, resignation or removal.

2.4 Vacancies. Any vacancy on the Board of Directors, whether as a result of an increase in the number of Directors or for any other cause, shall be filled by an individual elected by an affirmative vote of a majority of all Directors. A Director elected to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, unless his or her service is earlier terminated by death, resignation or removal.

2.5 Quorum & Action. A majority of the Directors established pursuant to Bylaw 2.2 then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors. The act of a majority of the Directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board. If less than a quorum is present at any meeting, the majority of the Directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum is present.

2.6 Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation, or wherever decided upon by the Board, annually, or whenever directed by the Board. Regular meetings shall be held for the transaction of such business as may come before the meeting, without further notice to the directors. The Board may provide for the holding of additional regular meetings by resolution.

2.7 Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chair, or upon written request by four (4) Directors and shall be held at the principal office of the Corporation or at such other place as shall be determined by the Chair. The time and date of such special meeting shall be determined by the Chair and stated in the notice.

2.8 Notice. Notice of the date, time and place of special meetings shall be sent electronically to each Director at least two (2) days prior to the date of the meeting. Any Director may waive notice of any meeting. The attendance of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of such meeting, except where a Director attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened. Neither the business to be transacted at a regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors nor the purpose thereof need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting.

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2.9 Action Without Meeting. Any action required to be taken at a meeting of the Board of Directors may be taken without a meeting, if consent in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is signed by the number of Directors sufficient to take action at a meeting of the Board pursuant to Bylaw 2.5. The consent may be executed by the Directors in counterparts.

2.10 Presumption of Assent. A Director who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his or her dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he or she files a written dissent to such action with the individual acting as the Secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or forwards such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a Director who voted in favor of such action.

2.11 Reimbursement & Compensation. Directors shall not be compensated for attendance at regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors. By resolution of the Board, the Corporation may reimburse Directors for expenses incurred, if any, in order to fulfill their duties as Directors. This Bylaw shall not preclude a Director from serving the Corporation in another capacity and receiving compensation therefor.

2.12 Committees. The Board of Directors may create committees of the Board and appoint Directors to serve thereon by an affirmative vote of a majority of all Directors then in office. Any and all committees shall consist of one (1) Director who shall serve at the pleasure of the Board. Committees of the Board shall, to the extent permitted by law, have and may exercise such powers of the Board in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation as shall be delegated to them by the Board.

2.13 Telephonic Meetings. Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors by telephone conference or other means of communication by which all individuals participating in the meeting can simultaneously hear all other participants. Participation by such means shall be deemed to constitute presence in person at said meeting.

2.14 Removal. At a meeting of the Board of Directors called expressly for that purpose, a Director may be removed, with or without cause, by an affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Directors then in office.

2.15 Resignation of Director. A Director may resign at any time by giving written notice thereof to the Chair or Secretary, upon which such resignation shall become effective. The acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

BYLAW III

Officers10

3.1 Offices & Eligibility. The officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairperson, a Chairperson-Elect, a Secretary and a Treasurer. The Board of Directors may provide for such other officers as may be deemed necessary by the Board. With the exception of Chairperson and Secretary, any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same individual.

3.2 Election & Term of Office. The officers of the Corporation shall be elected annually at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held after January 1st. The Corporation shall elect a chairperson-elect. The chairperson-elect shall serve for two years, followed by two years of service as chairperson of the Corporation.

The Corporation shall elect a secretary and a treasurer for a term of four years. Each officer shall take office at the conclusion of said regular meeting and shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected and qualified, unless his or her service is earlier terminated because of death, resignation or removal.

3.3 Vacancies. Vacancies occurring in any office by reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise may be filled by the Board of Directors at any meeting. An officer appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor in office and until his or her successor shall be elected and qualified, unless his or her service is earlier terminated by death, resignation or removal.

3.4 Removal. An officer of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the Board of Directors by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office.

3.5 Duties & Authority of Officers.

(a) Chairperson. The Chairperson shall be the principal executive officer of the Corporation and, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall in general supervise and manage all of the business and affairs of the Corporation. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings of the Board. The Chairperson may sign, with the Secretary or any other proper officer of the Corporation thereunto authorized by the Board, contracts or other instruments which the Board has authorized to be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall be expressly delegated by the Board or by these Bylaws to some other officer or agent of the Corporation or shall be required by law to be otherwise signed or executed. In general, the Chairperson shall perform all duties incident to the office of the Chairperson and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board.

(b) Chairperson-Elect. In the absence of the Chairperson, or in the event of his or her death, inability or refusal to act, the Chairperson-Elect shall perform the duties of the Chairperson, and when so acting, shall have

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all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions upon the Chairperson. The Chairperson-Elect shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Chairperson or by the Board of Directors.

(c) Secretary. The Secretary shall attend and keep minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors in books provided for that purpose; see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law; be the custodian of the corporate records; keep a register of current contact information, including mailing address, for each Director; have general charge of the minute books of the Corporation; and, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Chairperson or by the Board.

(d) Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Corporation; shall oversee the collection and receipt of all monies due and payable to the Corporation; shall keep all monies in the name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be authorized by the Board of Directors; shall disburse funds of the Corporation consistent with the annual budget of the Corporation or as otherwise directed by the Board; shall keep a full and accurate account of receipts and expenditures in the records of the Corporation; shall oversee and be responsible for the maintenance of such books of accounts and records as conform to the requirements of these Bylaws; and, in general, perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Chairperson or by the Board.

3.6 Contract Rights. The election or appointment of an officer does not itself create employment or compensation rights.

BYLAW IV

Members-At-Large

4.1 Definition & Eligibility. 1Other Directors of the Corporation will serve as members-at-large. These Directors must meet all requirements outlined in Bylaw 2.2, and be elected by the members of NADCE.

4.2 Election & Term of Office. Member-At-Large Directors of the Corporation shall be elected biennially following the regular meeting of the Board of Directors held after January 1st. The Director shall serve a four-year term, with no limit on the number of successive terms they can serve.

4.3 Vacancies. Member-At-Large vacancies occurring by reason of death, resignation, removal or otherwise may be filled by the Board of Directors at any meeting. A Director appointed to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the unexpired term of his or her predecessor and until his or her successor shall be elected and

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qualified, unless his or her service is earlier terminated by death, resignation or removal.

4.4 Removal. A Director of the Corporation may be removed, with or without cause, at any time by the Board of Directors by an affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office.

4.5 Duties & Authority of Members-At-Large. Members-At-Large shall serve the Corporation by serving on the Board of Directors in a way that helps fulfill the mission; specifically in the areas of advocacy, professional connections, and resources. Specifics regarding how they serve will vary at the discretion of the Board of Directors and the current needs of the Corporation.

4.6 Contract Rights. The election or appointment of a Director does not itself create employment or compensation rights.

BYLAW V

Fiscal Matters

5.1 Fiscal Year. 1The fiscal year of the Foundation shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31.

5.2 Contracts. The Board of Directors may authorize any officer or agent of the Corporation, in addition to the officers so authorized by these Bylaws, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

5.3 Checks, Drafts, Orders. All checks, drafts or other orders for the payment of money, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness issued in the name of the Corporation shall be signed by the Chairperson, and such additional officers of the Corporation as may be authorized by the Board of Directors, in such manner as shall from time to time be determined by resolution of the Board.

5.4 Deposits. All monies of the Corporation shall be deposited to the credit of the Corporation by the duly authorized officers, agents or employees of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies or other depositories as the Board of Directors may designate by resolution from time to time. Deposited funds may be withdrawn upon the signature of the Chairperson and such other officers as the Board may authorize by resolution.

5.5 Borrowing. No loan shall be contracted on behalf of the Corporation and no evidence of indebtedness shall be issued in its name unless authorized by a resolution of the Board of Directors. Such authority may be general or confined to specific instances.

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5.6 Investments. Funds, securities and other assets of the Corporation shall be invested in accordance with and pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors authorizing such investment.

5.7 Gifts. The Board of Directors may accept, on behalf of the Corporation, any contribution, gift, bequest or devise for the general purposes or for any specific purpose of the Corporation. The Board may vary the use to which a specific contribution, gift, bequest or devise can be put in the event the use for which the contribution, gift, bequest or devise is to be used becomes impossible, unnecessary, impractical or contrary to the best interests of the Corporation.

BYLAW VI

Miscellaneous

6.1 Waiver of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given under the provisions of the Missouri Nonprofit Corporation Act, the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing signed by the individuals entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice.

6.2 Loans Prohibited. No loans shall be made by the Corporation to a Director or officer. Any Director who votes for or assents to the making of a loan to a Director or officer, and any Director participating in the making of such loan, shall be jointly and severally liable to the Corporation for the amount of such loan until the repayment thereof.

6.3 Rules. The Board of Directors may adopt, amend or repeal rules (not inconsistent with the Articles or Incorporation or these Bylaws) for the management of the internal affairs of the Corporation and the governance of its officers, agents, boards, committees and employees.

BYLAW VII

Insurance

7.1 To the extent permitted by law, the Corporation shall have the power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any individual who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation against any liability asserted against him or her and incurred in such capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him or her against such liability.

BYLAW VIII

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Prohibition Against Sharing in Corporate Earnings

8.1 No Director, officer, employee of, member of a committee of, or individual connected with the Corporation, or any other individual, shall receive any of the net earnings or pecuniary profit from the operations of the Corporation; provided, however, this provision shall not prevent the payment to any such individual of such reasonable compensation as shall be fixed by the Board of Directors for services rendered to or for the Corporation in effecting any of its purposes, and no such individual or individuals shall be entitled to share in the distribution of any of the corporate assets upon dissolution of the Corporation.

BYLAW IX

Exempt Activities

9.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of these Bylaws, no Director, officer, employee, agent or representative of the Corporation shall take any action or carry on any activity by or on behalf of the Corporation not permitted to be taken or carried on by an organization exempt under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and its regulations, as they now exist or as they may hereafter be amended from time to time.

BYLAW X

Amendments to Bylaws

10.1 Any alteration, amendment, or repeal of these Bylaws, or any provision of same, shall require the affirmative vote of a majority of the Directors then in office.

The undersigned, the Secretary of the Corporation, hereby certifies that the above are the true and accurate Bylaws of the Corporation as reaffirmed by the Board of Directors on August 4, 2018.

______________________________________________________, Secretary

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Nomination & Election of Board of DirectorsNADCE will nominate and elect members and officers of the Board of Directors every two years, following the biennial conference.

Timeline & Procedure for Board of Directors Election

NADCE members will be notified during the conference of the upcoming opportunity to nominate DCE’s to serve on the Board of Directors as officers or members-at-large.

At the regular BOD meeting following the conference, a nomination team will be selected from the BOD. They will be in charge of the nomination and voting process.

Following the conference, nominations will be accepted for a minimum of 28 days.

Following the close of nominations, the Nominations Team will review the qualifications of the nominees and prepare a slate of candidates for the upcoming election.

Nominees will be contacted and asked to submit the following information:o A digital photo (jpeg format)o A brief biographical descriptiono A response (50 words or less) to the question:  “Why I wish to serve on

the Board of Directors of NADCE?” Members will be notified of the slate of candidates at least one (1) week

before the election period. The Nominations Team will present the ballot for NADCE membership to vote electronically during a seven (7) day period.

At the close of elections, the results will be tallied. A simple majority will win the vote.

In the case of “Member-At-Large” – if there are multiple openings, those with the most votes will be elected to those spots.

The election coordinator will contact the winners of the elections by phone. All nominees will be informed of the results by mail.

Once all the nominees have been notified, the results will be released to the public.

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Request for Nominations for Board of Director Positions

OFFICIAL REQUEST

The National Association of Directors of Christian Education Board of Directors (BOD) nominations team is now receiving the names of individuals who wish to serve a four-year term on the BOD beginning August, (current year).  The open positions are: Chair-Elect (officer)Secretary (officer)Treasurer (officer)At-Large Member(s) Ministry descriptions for these positions may be located in the Constitution and By-Laws on the NADCE website –  www.nadce.org <http://www.nadce.org>  

Qualifications:  Nominees for an officer position must be a Commissioned Minister of the LCMS, currently on Synod’s roster, and be a member of NADCE.  Nominees for an officer position also should have a minimum of ten (10) years in rostered ministry experience in the LCMS.  At-large members must have at least four years of ministry-related experience.  At-large members can also include “LCMS individuals who have executive experience in the fields of Christian education, business, law, accounting, public relations, financial services or development.” (By Law 2.2)

Nominations must be received by the Nominations Team Chair, (chairperson name and e-mail) on or before (nomination deadline date).  Nominees must agree to have their name submitted by the person nominating the individual.  Self-nominations are accepted.  Please include name of nominee, current location of ministry service, and current electronic contact information. Following the close of nominations, the Nominations Team will review the qualifications of the nominees and prepare a slate of candidates for the members to consider in the election process.

Candidates will then be contacted by a member of the Nominations Team and be invited to submit:  a digital photo (jpeg format), brief biographical description, and a response (50 words or less) to the question:  “Why I wish to serve on the Board

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of Directors of NADCE?” The Nominations Team will present the ballot for NADCE membership to vote electronically on (voting date range).  Results will be announced in the subsequent NADCE Quarterly as well as other official outlets for NADCE.

Open Election Ballot Notice

Dear NADCE Member,

The NADCE Ballot is now online.

<survey monkey link>

Every two years, members of NADCE are invited to vote for the next Chair-Elect. After serving as Chair-Elect for two years, the Chair-Elect moves into the Chair role for two years.

This year we are also voting for…

We are very blessed by the candidates who are willing to serve on the Board.

Please take a few minutes to make your selections.

Voting will be open for one week and will close on xx/xx/xxxx. Results will be posted on the NADCE web site.

Thanks again for taking a moment to vote online.

Sincerely,

_____________________, DCEChair-Elect, National Association of Directors of Christian Education

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NADCE ConferenceMISSION STATEMENT:

CONFERENCE INFORMATION:NADCE will develop, plan, and coordinate a national conference every two years. The BOD Chair-Elect will help select and oversee the conference planning meeting, utilizing a combination of BOD members and local DCEs as they see fit.

PLANNING TIMELINE:At the first BOD meeting following the conference, the BOD will brainstorm and begin researching possible locations for the next conference. At the first annual meeting following the election of a new Chair-Elect, the BOD will finalize their selection of a location. The Chair-Elect, with the help of the BOD will identify candidates for the planning team and contact them.

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LCMS Conference PresenceAt each annual meeting, the BOD will discuss and select upcoming conferences at which NADCE should be present as a sponsor and/or exhibitor. Decisions regarding purchase of publicity materials, giveaways, or equipment may either be made at the meeting or delegated to a willing BOD member for research. A decision may then be made by that individual, or via phone conference or e-mail at a future date.

Decisions regarding reimbursement for travel and work as an exhibitioner may be discussed and approved based on the current financial situation of NADCE.

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NADCE QuarterlyGeneral Guidelines:

PURPOSE: NADCE Quarterly is an electronic publication that serves the DCE/church work community. This publication will provide quarterly issues on a variety of topics, research, resources that the DCE community is passionate about and that will benefit continued growth in the profession. EDITORIAL POLICIES: The entire work will be subject to editing and revision by NADCE Quarterly prior to publication. Editing will not alter the content or significantly alter the piece. Editing to correct misstatements of fact, misquotations, error in grammar, sentence structure and spelling are acceptable. Should a major edit be necessary, NADCE Quarterly will submit the changes to the author prior to publication.

Word count will vary depending on the various article lengths and subject matter, and will be given to the author via the editor. Author article submission deadline is the 15th of the month with quarterly issues being published at the end of the month (October, January, April & July).

COMPENSATION:Article & book review authors currently submit without any expectation of compensation, but do so as representatives of the DCE community with the desire to share their thoughts and experiences on various topics.

The Editor and Associate Editor will receive compensation in the form of an annual honorarium, $250 for the Editor and $150 for the Associate Editor

AUDIENCE: NADCE consists predominantly of professional, called and commissioned Directors of Christian Education. This publication will also benefit those church workers who serve in a parish or team ministry setting and are interested in Lutheran education. This publication serves to provide a useful resource for church and ministry professionals in various settings. As an author, your work should address the issues and desired topics of the NADCE organization and should serve to encourage and edify this community’s service to the church and the world.

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Job Description: NADCE Quarterly Editor

Purpose: The purpose of the NADCE Quarterly Editor is to present topics of interest to the DCE community in the quarters of January, April, July & October. Each issue is comprised of submissions from various called ministry professionals dependent upon the topic.

Qualifications:The NADCE Quarterly Editor should have:

● A commitment to serving and glorifying God in this position● Experience serving as a Director of Christian Education in the

congregational setting● Experience with writing/publishing● Knowledge about proper use of grammar and format of articles/research

submissions● Self-motivated● Ability to network

Duties and Responsibilities:

Recruit and enlist various authors for topic specific issues on a quarterly basis through phone calls, emails, face to face conversations as well as the use of the NADCE group on Facebook.

Provide information to authors on audience, article structure and deadlines. Revise, edit and format layout of quarterly prior to publication. Provide outline of each year’s issue topics to person accountable to on the

NADCE Board of Directors

Length of Commitment: Two Years Accountability:

Member at Large on NADCE Board of Directors (varies each term) DCE community/organization in creating a useful resource for ministry and

church professionals.

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Job Description: NADCE Quarterly Assistant Editor Purpose: The purpose of the NADCE Quarterly Assistant Editor is to work with the NADCE Quarterly Editor to present topics of interest to the DCE community in the quarters of January, April, July & October. Each issue is comprised of submissions from various called ministry professionals dependent upon the topic. 

Qualifications:The NADCE Quarterly Assistant Editor should have:

A commitment to serving and glorifying God in this position Experience serving as a Director of Christian Education in the congregational

setting Experience with writing/publishing Knowledge about proper use of grammar and format of articles/research

submissions Self-motivated Ability to network

 Duties and Responsibilities:

Help recruit and enlist various authors for topic specific issues on a quarterly basis through phone calls, emails, face to face conversations as well as the use of the NADCE group on Facebook.

Help provide outline of each year’s issue topics to person accountable to on the NADCE Board of Directors

Provide information to authors on audience, article structure and deadlines. Help revise, edit and format layout of quarterly prior to publication. Dedicate time to making sure the NADCE Quarterly is published on time each

Quarter

 Length of Commitment: Two Years (After 2 years, the Assistant Editor transitions to the role of Editor for 2 more years and helps bring a new Assistant Editor onboard)  Compensation: $150 per year

Accountability:   Member at Large on NADCE Board of Directors (varies each term)

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DCE community/organization in creating a useful resource for ministry and church professionals.

NADCE Quarterly Editor 

DCE SummitNADCE reserves the right to schedule and coordinate DCE Summits as the need arises.  Should the NADCE BOD decide there is an issue related to DCE ministry which warrants further study and discussion through a DCE Summit, they would assign a group of members to coordinate the event. They would make sure the following items are completed:

Clearly identify the issue(s) to be covered at the Summit. Determine the budget allowed for this event and determine compensation

for invitees. Create a list of qualified DCEs, inviting them to attend the Summit. Schedule and organize the event with the approval and assistance of the

BOD.

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DCE AwardsThe board of directors for NADCE will award an outstanding new DCE and a Master DCE every two years. The awards will be presented at our biennial national conference.

Timeline:

NADCE members will be notified a minimum of 5 months before the conference of the opportunity to nominate DCE’s for the awards.

Nominations will be accepted for a minimum of 28 days.

Nominated DCEs will be contacted by the selection committee and asked to complete the Nominee Profile Form. They will have 2 weeks to complete all necessary forms.

The Selection Committee will be given the nomination profiles of the candidates, and will select winners for each award.

3 months before the conference the winners will be selected & notified via phone call and direct mail by the selection committee chairperson; runners-up will be notified by direct mail. [see below for the selection process]

The winners will receive a plaque at the biennial NADCE conference. Conference planners and selection committee members will work together to create a program that truly honors these DCEs.

The board of directors will also make arrangements for the recipients to receive their awards in their home congregation. This may be done by a board of directors member, a Synodical or district representative, or a former winner of the Master DCE award.

Selection Process:

At the beginning of the nomination window, NADCE members will be informed, and the nomination forms will be made available on the NADCE website, via e-mail, and/or Facebook.

NADCE members may nominate qualified candidates by filling out the nomination form and submitting it to the nomination committee chairperson.

At the end of the nomination window, all nominees will be presented to the NADCE BOD for vetting. District presidents will also be contacted regarding the nominee’s standing within the District.

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All qualified nominees will be contacted via e-mail and standard mail of their nominations. In order to accept the nomination, they must complete a “Nominee Profile” described in their notification letter.

Upon receipt of the nomination profile, the selection committee chairperson will distribute the files to the selection committee. The committee will independently select winners for both awards. In the case of a non-unanimous selection, a simple majority will rule. If no simple majority is reached, the committee will meet via phone conference to come to a consensus winner.

Winners will be contacted via phone and standard mail. Runners-up will be contacted by standard mail.

Criteria: [See attached forms for nominations, nominees, letters, etc.]

The Outstanding New DCE will be in their first 3 years of service, not counting internship. The Master DCE will have completed at least 15 years of service, not counting internship.

Nominee must meet all of the following Criteria: Rostered DCE of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Currently serving an LCMS congregation or entity Member of the National Association of Directors of Christian Education

Qualities and Characteristics: Demonstrates strong commitment to serving Jesus Demonstrates commitment to excellence in meeting the social, emotional,

spiritual, and cognitive needs of children, youth, and adults Active in leadership within congregation Active in leadership within community Active in leadership within LCMS District and Synod Demonstrates passion, vision, creativity, leadership, and commitment to the

DCE ministry, the local congregation, and the LCMS

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Date

NADCE is glad to announce that the nomination process is now open for the 20XX NADCE Master DCE Award and 20XX NADCE Outstanding New DCE Award. These awards, presented at our biennial National NADCE Conference, are given to deserving individuals nominated and selected by their peers and partners in ministry through NADCE. These awards highlight the work that Christ is doing through the service and mission of these men and women in ministry. As a member of NADCE you have the distinct honor and privilege to nominate a deserving DCE for either of these awards. A list of past award recipients is below.

The Master DCE must have a minimum of 15 years of experience and meet the criteria described under the “Master DCE Criteria”. The Outstanding New DCE must be in their first 3 years of service, not counting internship, and meet the criteria described under the “Outstanding New DCE Criteria”.

The nomination process is ONLY open from XXXXX - XXXXX. To nominate, please fill out the appropriate nomination form and return via e-mail or standard mail to the nomination committee chairperson, DCE Andrew Nelson. Please use subject heading “DCE Award Nomination”.

***Note: In order to nominate a DCE for this award, or to be nominated for this award, you must be a member of NADCE.***

Andrew Nelson, DCEajnelson6@gmail.comChapel of the Cross Lutheran Church907 Jungermann RoadSt. Peters, MO 63376636-577-9888

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Place Photo Here

NADCE AWARD NOMINEE FORM

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Name:

______________________________________________________________________

Congregation/Agency: ___________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Work Phone: __________________________________________________________________

Cell Phone: ____________________________________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________________________________

NADCE member? YES NO

Years of DCE Service (not including internship): _______________

PROFESSIONAL RESUME:Please attach an up to date resume. Resume should include all experience as a DCE; duties performed at each congregation/agency, educational background, including DCE certificate, & applicable honors, awards, and recognitions.

PROFESSIONAL VITA:Please attach a brief autobiographical sketch of your life and ministry. In this short essay please answer the following questions:

1. What are your greatest joys as you work with those whom you serve?2. What is your greatest challenge as a Lutheran Director of Christian Education?3. What is your personal mission statement?4. How do you fulfill this mission in your duties as a DCE?

EVIDENCE OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP:Please attach a short description of evidence of effective leadership. Cite three or four noteworthy accomplishments in your ministry as a Director of Christian Education, and, where possible, show evidence of specific results (such as purposeful leadership in terms of programs, goals, and mission; congregation environment or community relations; youth or other generational work; teaching; increased participation; parent/family programs; collaboration/networking with others to enhance educational goals; finding new resources, etc.)

Please combine all items in the order listed above into one document.A single PDF or Word Document is preferred.

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(Insert Nomination Notification & Selection Letters Here)

Master DCE Award

2017 Christine Eid2015 Audrey Duensing-Werner

2013 George Denholm2011 Susan Steege2009 Jill Hasstedt

2008 Dari Hartmann2007 David Weidner

2006 Bill Cullen and David Rahberg2005 Lyle Heggemeier

2003 Jim Bradshaw2000 Ben Freudenberg and Shar Kleinedler

1997 Jim Anderson1996 Linda Olsen1994 Tom Couser1993 Jay Musfeldt

1991 Jack Giles1990 Al Gunderman1988 Larry Brandt

Outstanding New DCE Award

2017 Dana Burkey2015 Joshua Heirigs

2013 Rebekkah Freed2011 Emily Norman

2009 Sandi Grupe2008 Alaina Kleinbeck2006 Lauren Luedtke2005 KerriAnn Kothe

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MASTER DCE

Presented to

Susan Steege

by

National Association of Directors of Christian Education

2010

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” 

2 Thessalonians 1:11  NIV

NADCE Board of DirectorsChairman

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Outstanding New DCE

Presented to

Emily Norman

by

National Association of Directors of Christian Education

2010

We constantly pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may fulfill every good purpose of yours and every act prompted by your faith.” 

2 Thessalonians 1:11  NIV

NADCE Board of DirectorsChairman

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