Institute for Religious Education
Mission Statement: The Institute for Religious Education (IRE) was established in 2006 as an institute of Concordia University, Nebraska and exists for the purpose of enhancing the intentionality and effectiveness of Christian educational efforts in the church.
About the Institute for Religious Education
At its core, the Institute for Religious Education (IRE) focuses on issues and priorities that have long been the cornerstone of Concordia’s mission – how do we do the best job possible of helping the church to more intentionally focus on equipping the people of God through educational efforts.
Concordia University, Nebraska has been recognized historically by members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) as an institution that cares about preparing Lutheran teachers and DCEs for placement in our schools and churches. Concordia has produced more Lutheran teachers and DCEs than any other single university in the Concordia University System. The IRE seeks to expand the contributions Concordia makes to educational efforts of the church and Christian schools – by providing resources and research for use by professionals and laity.
Few resources exist that focus on this important issue and Concordia is blessed with exceptional leaders in the area of religious education to develop the research and resources, as well as the name recognition that will benefit the distribution and reception of the products of the IRE.
Operational Beliefs
- A competent educational experience must be a central goal of every Christian congregation and school.
- The development of competent religious educational experiences requires the purposeful designation of key resources (time, energy, funding, facilities, etc.)
- A desire to increase competency in religious education exists among church professionals and laity.
- At present, a gap exists between the espoused value of competent religious education in many churches and schools and the degree of resources being directed towards the effective implementation of that value.
- While congregational variables greatly influence educational ministries, there are some operational practices that can be universally applied.
- Resources and expertise exist which could help enhance Christian education effectiveness in churches and schools. Collaboration between individuals would help expand the impact of those resources.
Research
Grant Request
Grants are only provided for materials that enhance the intentionality and effectiveness of Christian education in the church and school, and which produce a sharable resource for church and school leaders.
Have a resource to share?
If you have a resource you would like to share with IRE, please email a summary to Dr. Mark Blanke at mark.blanke@cune.edu and he will connect with you.
Adult Education Project 2025-2027
The IRE decided to focus on “enhancing the intentionality and effectiveness of Christian education in the church” (from the IRE mission statement) on adult education for a three-year period. A survey was conducted of all parish pastors and DCEs in The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The survey provided a snapshot of the current state of adult education and helped to identify the priorities that respondents felt would be of most help. Over 1300 survey responses were received, Resources are being developed during the project period and will be available for free to congregational leaders. Our hope is that these efforts will be a blessing for those individuals who are seeking to prepare disciples through education.”
Adult Education Resources
- The Four Truths that (should) Shape Adult Education in the Church (PDF)
- Needs Assessment (PDF)
- Determining Needs (PDF)
- Motivation (PDF)
- Assessing Congregational Commitment to Adult Education. (PDF)
- Leadership Assessment Tool (PDF)
Support the Institute for Religious Education
Your generous gift will help the IRE continue to expand the contributions Concordia makes to educational efforts of the church and Christian schools by providing resources and research.