Educate Our Children

Two ELS churches, one in Florida and one in Oregon, have announced plans to start Lutheran elementary schools. Both schools plan to follow a classical education model. These developments should be seen as a positive sign for the future of our synod. Christian schools are very effective in training the youth of a congregation and can be an opportunity to help children in the community and their parents to learn about Jesus.
Several years ago, an ELS committee was formed that led to the beginning of Lutheran Schools of America. They started with an ambitious and daring proposal: to begin 10 new Lutheran elementary schools a year and to return to a classical education model. The people supporting LSA had high expectations that the Christian education of our youth was the answer to the declining membership that the synod is facing.
Why do congregations take on the expenses of school buildings and calling teachers? Why do parents pay tuition to our schools when the public schools charge no tuition? We do not need to dwell on the influence of Common Core and other negatives about public education. The positive answer is that Christian parents and congregations take seriously what God says about bringing up children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
A Lutheran elementary school complements the Bible training that parents do in their homes. Such education trains students to memorize Bible passages and hymns, teaches a Christian worldview in every subject, and helps students use the gifts and talents that God has given them.
The philosophy of Christian education recognizes that students are sinners who are attacked by Satan, that students are forgiven of sins through faith in Jesus, that each subject taught has a connection in the Bible, and that students need to learn facts that they can use to deal with other issues.
Students need to be placed in an atmosphere that reflects Christ’s love for every student, since He died for each one of them. Not every Christian student will always be liked by everyone, but students learn to respect and care for others in the classroom.
Lutheran elementary schools nurture young souls by teaching God’s Word, develop minds through memorization and teaching critical thinking, instruct children in the things they need to know to live in this world, and bless students and parents through teaching respect and love for others.
Concern for others also means that Lutheran elementary schools reach out to non-member children and parents so that they learn to know the Gospel message. Such students bless teachers by providing them opportunities to speak about Jesus and His work of salvation. I personally have been with students who have visited the elderly in nursing homes or “sung” Christmas songs to deaf children and parents using sign language. There are many ways our schools can impact people in their communities.
Our Lutheran teachers are another blessing from God. For they are trained to not only fill minds with secular subjects, they also are taught how to present the wonderful truths of God’s Word to young people. Our synod is blessed with many dedicated teachers who work in a one-room school or in a multi-class setting, who teach preschool children or carry out their vocations as both instructor and principal. We should often thank them for their dedicated and faith-filled work.
Again we ask, “Why should congregations support these education efforts with their prayers and gifts to God?” God wants His people to train children to know His Word. Students need this education so they continue in the faith. Congregations are blessed with informed teachers and students. Their schools can be outreach tools to let the community know about Jesus. And schools will teach another generation of workers in the congregation. For these and many other reasons, support the Lutheran elementary schools of our synod and your congregation.
Theodore Gullixson
ELS Pastor Emeritus
Mankato, MN