Lutheran Schools: Opportunities Amidst the Challenges

The challenges that COVID-19 has brought to our congregations, schools, and church workers are many. Pastors, church staff members, and lay leaders can quickly identify all of precautions that they have taken and ways that they have adapted to these circumstances so that the Church’s ministry might continue. School administrators, teachers, and board members have also been forced to shift to online learning and make “in-time” adjustments like never before. It has been a stressful few months for those leading and serving in our congregations and schools.

However, God has provided great opportunities for our Lutheran schools in the midst of these significant challenges. This issue of The Voice focuses on how our educational ministries are serving during the pandemic. Consider this, approximately 1/3 of our Lutheran schools (elementary and secondary) saw enrollment increases this year in spite of the pandemic. Many of these families that are new to our schools have come as a result of the current crisis, but it is still evidence of God’s gracious hand providing open doors for the Gospel to be proclaimed with new students and families.

The uncertainty of our times gives churches and schools openings for proclaiming the certainty of the Gospel. For a nation thrown into division and disarray, fear and frustration, the saints of God step forward to speak a word of hope in Christ for all people. Bringing the one thing needful (the Gospel) is why our congregations started Lutheran schools and early childhood centers, nursing homes and counseling services. Faithful proclamation of God’s Word even in difficult times is what we can provide and what is most needed.

Please pray for our Lutheran Schools as they make the most out of the opportunity to reach new students and families. Also, pray for our school administrators and teachers as they adapt to ever changing circumstances. Our ultimate prayer is that through these difficult times the Holy Spirit would continue to call, gather, enlighten, and sanctify those who we serve through our schools. For generations, this has been the purpose and focus of Lutheran schools in Missouri. What a blessing to see how God is at work in our schools this year.

If your congregation supports a Lutheran school or if there is one in your area, please get to know the teachers and staff so that you can pray for them by name. They are great blessings from God as they serve in this important role. This year in particular they covet your prayers! We hope you are encouraged by what you see that is happening in our schools across Missouri and how the District continues to provide support, counsel, and encouragement for these challenging times.