Lutheran schools in the spotlight

This week, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, is holding its annual fall symposium -- the focus this year is Lutheran schools. The purpose of the symposium is to re-evaluate the Lutheran school in our ministry, to review its value in the spiritual life of our members, and to seek and suggest new opportunities to promote and share its blessings.

More than 400 pastors, teachers, and laymen will attend this symposium to hear three presentations. Dr. Mark Braun, professor of theology at Wisconsin Lutheran College, will review the history of the Lutheran school and how it is been a blessing to our synod. Rev. Mark Zarling, president of Martin Luther College, will explore what the mission of the church teaches us about Lutheran schools. Rev. Don Patterson, pastor at Holy Word, Austin, Texas, will discuss what practical experience teaches us about Lutheran schools.

The Lutheran school, both on the elementary and secondary level, has brought uncounted blessings to our synod for more than 150 years. Lutheran schools have historically been an integral part of the mission and ministry of many congregations. Even members who have no children attending these schools have recognized the important role they play in helping parents to bring up their children in the training and instruction of the Lord and have supported Christian education in their congregations. It’s no surprise that Lutheran schools have been congregational efforts, not only because of the long-term blessings they bring to the children enrolled, but also because of the role they play in providing a strong faith and biblical knowledge to young people who later become active adult members.

Lutheran schools have also benefitted our entire synod, since from them, the vast majority of our pastors and teachers receive their elementary and secondary education.

Over the past generation, however, our Lutheran schools have begun to face challenges in a number of different areas. Overall enrollment in our schools has decreased rather dramatically (with the exception of programs in early childhood education). Demographics, financial challenges, ministry priorities, and a lack of clarity in seeing the purpose and blessings of schools are some of the factors that contribute to these challenges.

The 2011 synod convention recognized these challenges. Delegates resolved to form a special task force that will examine the issues related to our schools, develop strategies to strengthen our system of Christian education, and bring recommendations to the 2013 convention. The seminary’s symposium on Lutheran schools is one more reflection of our synod’s commitment to preserving and improving this important blessing. Catch the last symposium essay live online Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. CDT.

Serving in Christ,
Mark Schroeder