Current Issue Editor's Note: 

I’m quickly approaching a full decade in professional DCE ministry, and those years have been filled with the best students in the world, inspirational mentors, some remarkable volunteers, and faithful friends. Those years have also been filled with my fair share of tough-to-love people. Youth who push every boundary, parents who cause problems at every turn, congregation members who speak before thinking… the list could go on.

Jessica and I knew we couldn’t be the only ones who deal with these issues, so we sought out authors who could share their words of wisdom on dealing with tough-to-love people, and they delivered! This issue is packed with helpful tips, Biblical counsel, and words of comfort from those who have walked through many types of conflicts. My prayer is that this issue would bless all the DCEs who are currently dealing with tough-to-love people in their ministries and prepare those who will need the wisdom offered in this issue for the future.

After two years as the Assistant Editor and three years as the Editor of the NADCE Quarterly, it’s finally time for me to pass the “red pen” to Jessica Blocker. Beginning with the Winter 2026 issue, she will serve as the new NADCE Quarterly Editor, and Joshua Eckstein will serve as the new Assistant Editor. There’s not a doubt in my mind that this duo will serve the DCE community faithfully through their contributions to the Quarterly. It’s been a blessing to serve in this role over the years, but I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of the NADCE Board (Kayla McGowan, especially!) and my fabulous former editor who taught me the ropes, Molly Poppe.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

With JOY in Jesus, 

Michaela Seeliger, Editor