Lutheran Schools: Distinctly Different

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.   Romans 11:36

Lutheran schools in Missouri have seen an increase in enrollment in the last two years as families began fleeing public school systems after learning what their children are being taught.  From the very beginning of the first Lutheran school in Missouri in 1839, our ancestors provided education for their children because they wanted them to receive a Christ-centered education.  That commitment continues as congregations and families have made sacrifices down through the years to continue to operate Lutheran schools.  It has not been easy, but we have done it so that our children can learn about the world God created and their place in His world.

Our schools are different than public schools because the Christian faith is not a subject in the school day, but the center of everything that the school does.  Christ is the center of everything in our schools.  From chapel services to service groups, from memorizing hymns to meditating on God’s Word, our schools are distinctly different.  Each student learns that they are created in God’s image and that their lives have value to God, just the way they are.  Our schools help to discover the wonders of God’s creation and the order of His design.  Students learn that the arts provide opportunities to give glory to God with their creative gifts.  Our schools partner with parents in bringing children up in the fear and instruction of the Lord.

We need more Lutheran schools more than ever before.  While some schools may be large, others might be quite small–two of our schools are what could be called “two-room schoolhouses,” but continue because of the support of their members.  But all of our schools still provide a Christ-centered education that is different from what they can receive elsewhere.  If there is a Lutheran school in your area, contact the principal and ask how you can help support the school.  Or if there is not a Lutheran school in your area, ask your pastor about the possibility of a Lutheran school in your community.  And if you would like to learn more about the Lutheran schools in Missouri District, contact Josh Swartz (josh.swartz@mo.lcms.org).  We pray that more families will send their children to Lutheran schools because of what makes us distinctly different – Jesus Christ.

Prayer - Jesus, Savior and Good Shepherd, who has given Your life to save us, You have directed us to feed and tend your lambs and sheep. Bless our students, schools, teachers, and staffs. Strengthen, equip, and encourage all who teach and all who learn, so that Your name is praised and honored as knowledge, skills and attitudes are imparted and acquired. Strengthen and encourage our students, schools, teachers, and staffs so they grow in faith toward You and in love to one another, that, by Your grace, they may be a light in a world held captive in the darkness of sin. Amen.

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan