The Ministry of Lutheran Teachers

Visiting Exemplary School candidates is such a pleasure. So far this year three schools have been visited; Loving Shepherd Early Childhood Center, Golden Valley, MN, Hales Corners Lutheran School in Wisconsin and Bethany Lutheran School in Parma, Ohio. Our teams have observed some amazing practices at these schools that have resulted in improved student performance, enhanced ministry opportunity and (or) growth and development of the whole child. Every person involved with these visits has learned much from the practices of these excellent schools.

One of my favorite parts of exemplary school validation visits is the interviews that we conduct with fans of the schools and community members. Every person has a story. Each story is a testimony about how the school has added value to their family or the community. We keep a handy supply of Kleenex present during these interviews because often, the school has deeply touched the lives of those who share their stories.

Lutheran teachers are always at the center of the stories that demonstrate how lives have been changed in their school. These are the teachers who go far beyond what is normally expected… Lutheran teachers who challenge their students in unique ways to learn and grow…Lutheran teachers who share compassion and care with students in need…Lutheran teachers who tell children and their families about our miraculous Savior, Jesus.

It’s a pleasure to visit these great Lutheran schools. But this is the business of every Lutheran school. To go beyond what’s expected….to excite student about learning…. to wipe a tear, share a prayer and pronounce forgiveness and most importantly to point people to Jesus.

Incredible things are happening in every Lutheran school. Wouldn’t it be great if we had the opportunity every day to hear from our fan base?  Still, it is our privilege to serve our God by sowing the seeds of His word without knowledge of the harvest.  We who serve, look forward to the day when we will be united with the children we taught at the feet of Jesus in Heaven. What a privilege to serve our Lord with ministry and education in Lutheran schools.