Why do I love Lutheran schools?
Because they are a Christ-centered place where kids come first.
The mission statement of Lutheran High School Northwest declares, “Lutheran High School Northwest is committed to equip students for a life of Christian service through a curriculum of academic excellence, encouraged through a caring Christ-centered environment where God’s Word is shared daily.” Our Lutheran schools, from preschools to doctorate degrees in Lutheran colleges and universities, are unapologetically exemplary in preparing students for academic success. But what separates our Lutheran schools from anything else is the Christ-centered environment where students grow and thrive.
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In the Gospel of Matthew, we find Jesus announcing, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14 ESV). Lutheran schools embrace Jesus’ announcement and provide a culture where students continue to grow in the faith. In Lutheran schools, students are blessed through exposure to God’s Word daily. They are blessed to be educated by Christ-serving teachers. They are blessed to be coached in co-curricular activities by Christ-serving men and women. They are blessed to have Christ’s love modeled to them by pastors, teachers, coaches, secretaries, and aides. In Lutheran schools, families enjoy the welcoming, safe culture that the school offers as an extension of the body of Christ. I love Lutheran schools because Christ is active in everything they do.
In his epistle, John shares his greatest joy: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1: 4 ESV). I share John’s joy, too. I love Lutheran schools because they are a place where the Truth is shared daily with the students. In Lutheran schools, teachers model Christ to their students. Students grow and mature in the faith to become future church leaders—be it professional church workers or lay leaders. In Lutheran schools, the exercise of “walking in the truth” is of the utmost priority.
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Unfortunately, there are no perfect schools in the fallen world in which we live. Lutheran schools are not exempt from sin and imperfection; however, I love that our Lutheran schools teach about the forgiveness that comes graciously from God. Teachers and administrators exercise discipline within a proper distinction of God’s Law and Gospel. Students and their families learn about being held accountable for one’s actions while also learning about the message of the Cross and the forgiveness offered for our shortcomings and failures.
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Why do I love Lutheran schools? I love Lutheran schools because they are a place where Christ’s love is living and active!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, bless our Lutheran schools. Bless the teachers and administrators of our Lutheran schools, that their work may be pleasing in Your sight and bring the message of salvation to their students and families. Bless the students and their families, that their experiences in our Lutheran schools may be joyous. We pray this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior—the source of our true joy. Amen.
