As the New Year kicks off our Lutheran Schools are preparing for National Lutheran Schools Week celebrations January 24-31, 2021 under the theme Sent to Serve! National Lutheran Schools Week is a great opportunity to give thanks for our school ministries, those who serve in our Lutheran schools, to highlight our Lutheran schools to the greater community, and a time to give thanks to God for Lutheran schools! Nationally the LCMS has a network of over 1,900 LCMS preschools, elementary schools, and high schools. The Missouri District has 50 Early Childhood Centers, 52 elementary schools, and nine high schools!

I am frequently asked, “why a Lutheran school,” and “what makes a Lutheran school different than a public or private school”?

Lutheran schools are top performing academically, provide social, emotional, and spiritual growth in a Christ-centered environment. Lutheran schools design curriculum, present lessons, disciple kids, and partner with parents in a completely different way than public or private schools. Because our Lutheran schools believe and teach that God is the author of life and the creator of everything that is, this means that God is revealed in everything that happens at our Lutheran schools- relationships, languages, math, science, and music, athletics, drama– every aspect of a Lutheran school and our lives. In Romans 12:2 the Apostle Paul says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” In this passage Paul does not want us to know facts about God; he means let what you know about God– revealed in His Word and through creation– transform the way you look at everything in life. This is what Lutheran schools provide that public and private schools do not.

We give thanks to God for those who support Lutheran schools through gifts of time, talent, treasure, and prayer; to those who serve in a Lutheran school and bring the Joy of Jesus; to the families that choose to send their children to Lutheran schools; for the opportunity to provide the Gospel message to those who believe and those who may be hearing it for the first time! Please join me in celebrating Lutheran schools, not just during Lutheran schools week, but each and every day as we give thanks to God from whom all blessings flow!