Do Lutheran Schools Matter?

Do Lutheran Schools Matter?

     Yes!  Lutheran Schools, Early Childhood Centers, Pre-Schools and Child Care programs matter!  This weeks’ article affords me the opportunity to share some reasons why Lutheran schools and educational centers matter.

     In visiting the Lutheran Portal, a web site of the LCMS Office of National Mission-School Ministry, you will find a section entitled, “Why Lutheran Schools?”.  There you will find 9 reasons and statements supporting the importance of Lutheran Schools.     I would like to share them with you now as you read this article, and apply how Resurrection Lutheran School and Child Care has fulfilled and will continue to fulfill these reasons and statements.

     Lutheran Schools strengthen the congregation:  For the past 15 years the ministry of Resurrection Lutheran School and Child Care has touched the lives of 731 students and their parents.  20 families have been brought into membership in our congregation.  25 of our students have been baptized, the last three, themselves, asking to be baptized.  These baptisms took place in our Sunday morning  worship services, Friday  chapel services and school graduation programs.

     To nurture the Children’s Faith:  Every student’s faith has been nurtured by faithful, dedicated teachers and staff who proclaim the Gospel to them on a daily basis.  The children have learned how to understand and apply scripture to their daily lives.  They have been taught and challenged to live their Christian faith.

     To strengthen their Communities:  Resurrection Lutheran School and Child Care has and continues to accept children from all parts of our community, regardless  of any race, color, national or ethnic origin.

Our students have been prepared academically (our students score 1 – 3 grade levels above the national norm on The IOWA standardized test) and morally (through the daily teaching of the Gospel) to have a strong, positive effect on and in our community.  Many of our students are active in community sports, the YMCA, camp counselors and other church denominations.

    To provide a safe, caring place for children:  Resurrection Lutheran School and Child Care provides a safe environment where students do not have to worry about being attacked verbally or physically.  Our staff daily demonstrates Christ’s love for each child.  Our facilities are secured and monitored through- out the day.  Parents and visitors must be “buzzed” into the building.  The staff has been trained in CPR/First Aid.  Emergency Policies are in place to insure the best possible care for our staff and students in the event of natural incidents, terrorism, lock downs, etc.

    To help children see all of their lives from the perspective of God’s Word:  As the Holy Spirit works in the lives of our students, and faith develops and grows, Christian decision making and problem solving matures.  The familiar question – “What would Jesus do?” is behind every step to resolution.

    To demonstrate the high value the congregation places on children:  Our philosophy as a church and school is best stated in Luke 18:16.  “… Jesus called to them saying, ‘Let the children come to me and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.’”  (NIV)  Jesus holds children in high regard.  “Resurrection Lutheran School and Child Care exists to joyfully share the love of Jesus Christ, and nurture the faith of children and their families.”  This is our school’s mission statement.  This mission statement is an extension of the church’s mission statement (church and school together), “to love and obey the Savior, to equip believers for ministry, and to share the Good News of Jesus.”

Our congregation has invested in our school through prayer, energy, money and staff.  This investment clearly demonstrates to the community that it places a high value on children.

    To enhance the public relations of the congregation:  Through our school parents have begun to ask questions about our church.  Many families moving into our area are seeking a church home.  Our church has become better known in our community because of our school parents.

Advertising and marketing efforts also bring community awareness to our school, child care and church.

    To seek out the lost:  (This is mission and ministry!)   Our school and child care has provided new and varied opportunities for evangelism on behalf of our congregation.  Many pastors of growing congregations with schools, in nearly every case, identify the school as the congregation’s most effective outreach agency.  85% of the fastest growing congregations in the Synod operate schools.

                                                              And Last but not Least

    To fulfill the congregation’s responsibility for the Christian Education of its children:  Resurrection Lutheran school, along with our congregation’s Sunday School, VBS, Bible Camp, Adult classes, etc., fulfills the responsibility of providing a Christian Education for its’ children.  Many of our “Alum” fill positions in the church ie: Acolytes, musicians in the Praise Band, LYFR’s, staff members of the school and child care, softball, VBS volunteers and lay readers for our Sunday services.

Yes, Lutheran Schools, Early Childhood Centers, Pre-School and Child Care programs matter! They help to carry out the Great Commission given by Christ to His church on earth.  “Go and make disciples…..”

Matt. 28:19-20.

Blessings!

Ann