National Association of 

Directors of Christian Education


NADCE Awards


2022 Award Recipients - Dr. Mark Blanke, Christine Young, and Sandy Wendelin

Every two years, NADCE presents the Master DCE Award and 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, presented at our biennial National NADCE Conference, are given to deserving individuals nominated and selected by their peers and partners in ministry through NADCE.  In addition, the Dale E. Griffin Master Statesmen Award is given to individuals making a significant impact on DCE ministry.  Each of these awards highlight the work that Christ is doing through the service and mission of these individuals in ministry.

Master DCE Award

2022 Sandy Wendelin

2019 Steve Schedler

2017 Christine Eid
2015 Audrey Duensing-Werner
2013 George Denholm
2011 Susan Steege
2009 Jill Hasstedt
2008 Dari Hartmann
2007 David Weidner
2006 Bill Cullen and David Rahberg
2005 Lyle Heggemeier
2003 Jim Bradshaw
2000 Ben Freudenberg and Shar Kleinedler
1997 Jim Anderson
1996 Linda Olsen
1994 Tom Couser
1993 Jay Musfeldt
1991 Jack Giles
1990 Al Gunderman
1988 Larry Brandt

Outstanding New DCE Award

2022 Christine Young

2019 Brenda Segovia

2017 Dana Burkey
2015 Joshua Heirigs
2013 Rebekah Freed
2011 Emily Norman
2009 Sandi Grupe
2008 Alaina Kleinbeck
2006 Lauren Luedtke
2005 KerriAnn Kothe


DCE Award Nominee Criteria

  • The Outstanding New DCE is in their first 3 years of service and Master DCE has completed at least 15 years of service, not counting internship.
  • 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


DCE Award Qualities & 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



 The National Association of Directors of Christian Education is a 

Registered Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (LCMS)  and 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

 505 S. Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122

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