Concordia Seminary Newsroom
New Ministry, Same Goal: Serving God’s people
Dan Hampton, a trained Director of Christian Education, is a current seminarian at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. He, his wife, Christie, and their two children, William and Abigail, moved to St. Louis in 2023 from Colorado Springs, Colo., so that Dan could attend the Seminary. Christie now serves as a communication specialist for the LCMS Missouri District.
You’re a Director of Christian Education (DCE). What’s the difference between a DCE and a pastor?
A pastor is one who is responsible for the whole congregation. Paul speaks to this in Eph. 4:11 (ESV): “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelist, the shepherds and teachers.” The ESV uses “shepherds” instead of “pastors,” but the meaning remains the same. “Shepherds” is a more literal translation of the Greek word poimenas (ποιμένας), emphasizing the role of guiding and protecting God’s people.
A DCE (Director of Christian Education), on the other hand, is a teacher trained to focus on Christian educational ministry across all ages. While pastors and DCEs serve in different capacities, both are called to nurture and equip God’s people in faith within the congregation.
How are their roles in ministry different, and how are they the same?
A pastor and a DCE share the same goal, which is to proclaim the message of life and salvation through Jesus Christ. However, they focus their efforts in different ways. As a pastor, I will have the privilege of administering the Sacraments, speaking God’s Word and walking alongside people in life’s most significant moments — such as officiating weddings and presiding over funerals — and shepherding those entrusted to my care. As a DCE, my role centered on supporting the pastor by leading the church’s education ministries and encouraging God’s people to grow in faith, spirit and truth. While the responsibilities differ, both callings are deeply connected in their mission to guide and nurture God’s people.
Why did you become a DCE? Did you feel called into the ministry then?
My journey to becoming a DCE began in high school when I discovered the joy and gift of wrestling through God’s Word with others. This passion deepened when my home congregation, The Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Evansvillle, Ind., called a DCE. I was intrigued to learn that someone could serve the church by leading Bible studies and events that bring Scripture to life in the hearts and minds of people. This led me to attend Concordia University, Nebraska (CUNE), Seward, Neb., to receive my Bachelor of Arts in youth and family ministry.
Throughout my life, many people encouraged me to consider working in a church or becoming a DCE. I was drawn to the opportunity to work with people of all ages and the excitement of knowing that no two days would be the same. Now, after almost 15 years in parish ministry, I can confidently say this is true — you never know what each day will bring. But above all, my greatest hope and desire is that God will use me to help others hear and experience the love of Jesus.
How did your calling change over time?
The calling hasn’t changed, but the context certainly has. In 2008, I was placed as an intern at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church and School in Indianapolis, Ind., which became my first call. In 2016, I was called to serve as the Director of Growth Ministries at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs, Colo. That same year, I completed a Master of Science in Family Ministry at CUNE.
Over the years, my passion for sharing the Good News in creative and engaging ways has only grown. Moving from a DCE to becoming a seminarian has been a continuous journey of growth. Through it all, Jesus has been shaping and preparing me to share His Good News with His people.
How has God made a way for you and your family to come to Concordia Seminary?
God has truly opened the door for us to attend the Seminary, and we are incredibly grateful for the many people who have sponsored and supported us on this journey. Specifically, their generous financial support has made it possible for me to enroll in the M.Div. Program. We can’t imagine how we could afford this transformative experience without their kindness and generosity.
How did you feel about the Lord doing new things with your life?
It’s always exciting to see the new things the Lord will do in our lives. Yet, I was hesitant to follow His call to the Seminary. Why, Lord, would You call me to something new? Stepping into the unknown is scary, and I knew it would be challenging — not just for me, but for my family as well. Yet, throughout this journey, I can clearly see the Lord’s hand at work. He has been with us, guiding our steps each day.
How has your focus changed from DCE to seminarian/future pastor?
My calling to be an educator remains the same, even as I step into the role of a pastor. The focus of my ministry has simply shifted. While I once dedicated my efforts to education, I now center them on proclaiming Jesus to His people. Yet, the lessons I’ve learned as a DCE will always stay with me, shaping how I continue to serve God and His people in this new capacity.
When did you realize that the Holy Spirit was doing a new thing by calling you out of one ministry and into another?
Through the prayer and the encouragement of many others, my wife and I felt that God was leading us to pursue pastoral ministry. One of my big “aha!” moments was discovering how much I would enjoy many of the jobs of a pastor. I am excited to preach and teach, as well as marry and bury people. I look forward to seeing how the Holy Spirit will continue to use me in new ways for His glory.