Communication for Christ

Over the past few years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to observe in a multitude of different classrooms. Every school has given me a different perspective into the world of education. Many of these schools have been Lutheran- Missouri Synod. Although all teachers are different and all of the classrooms are different, I have noticed one constant similarity. The word of God is often only expressed during "scheduled" times.

In my previous post I talked about what should be the goals (standards) of Lutheran Education. One that I really appreciated was the standard of communicating and establishing christian values in our ever darkening world. However, in my viewing experiences in many Lutheran classrooms I feel that this standard has been one that has almost been pushed aside. It appears to me that because there are scheduled religion times teachers don't feel the need to expand student exposure to Christ through out the day. As Christian educators this is unacceptable. The core standards that are specific to Lutheran Education should be as important as the Common Core. I know that there are not enough hours in the day to complete all that is required in education. However, integrating the faith into the curriculum should be second nature to Lutheran educators. Plus, making faith connections during a lesson is fun and engaging for students!

How do we do this? Well, the better question is, where can't we fit faith into the lesson? Thank about it. How many teachable moments do educators cope with a day? Hundreds! As Lutheran educators we should take those moments and integrate a "faith twist".

Lutheran Educators should not be afraid of taking these teachable moments. We should have confidence in these moments and embrace the faith opportunity in classes such as History, Art, Science, and Language Arts.  Let us have confidence!

2 Timothy 1:7
       " For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."
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Breaking it all Down.

Where has the simple gone? The water gets muddy on issues and a lot of times it is really difficult to sort through all the constant exposure. There is no "black or white" on issues. This is never more evident then in large institutions.

The institution of the Church in Lutheran schools have really tried to clear the waters for teachers in their current vocations. The current synodical leadership has not only given guidelines for their Lutheran schools, but they have backed them with biblical evidence. The current contemporary standards for Lutheran schools are an encouraging reminder of how Lutheran teachers should use these as a strong foundation for their educational practices.

Here are the main standards for Lutheran schooling, all with a strong biblical base:

1. To Nurture Faith- For those who have heard the Gospel news of Christ and believe already, there is a continued need to study it for growth and NURTURE. (Romans 1:16)

2. To Grow in Grace and Knowledge- The Lutheran school provides opportunities all day long to come to know him who is the "way, the truth, and the life" in a close and personal way. It is the Lutheran teacher who makes sure this occurs and sets the tone in the classroom. (John 17:3, 2 Peter 3:18)

3. To Saturate with the Word- God's people are direct to instruct children in the Word on an around-the-clock basis. This charge is not just given to the parents. Given the realities of modern parenting, the Lutheran school is extremely important in providing instruction in the word on a continual basis. (Deut. 6:7)

4. To Communicate and Establish Christian Values- Lutheran schools are the shining light in an ever darkening world. We are fellowship the promotes, discovers, communicates, and establishes the values that God has ultimately designed. (1 Thes. 5:11, Hebrews 10:7)

5. To Equip for Christian Service- Lutheran schools help students see how their whole lives can be used in the Lord's service. (Matt. 18:20)

6. To Reach Out- Mission refers to the sharing of the Gospel with those who have never heard it before , or who have heard it but have not come to faith. Lutheran schools share the love of Christ, expressing their commitment to reach out to others. (Matt. 28:19)

These few key standards should serve as a reminder for every Lutheran educator before planning any lesson. What a motivator!

Why?

It is a simple question. Why teach in a Lutheran School. There are plenty of perfectly adequate public schools that probably have better funding, resources, and reputation. Why would someone willingly go into an underpaid and immensely hard profession? Do we get a thrill of off the struggle? Do we want to be the hero? As a young Lutheran schools teacher I really had to step back and reflect on my decision. I couldn't just accept this position without giving my faith a "backbone" or a stronger base of faith.

So, what are the reasons for going into this vocation? Why teach in a Lutheran school? I guess I could first state, why not? I have a faith that has been acquired through study of the word and a continual need to expand that knowledge. I look at it as a grand blessing to be on a "co-mission" with Jesus Christ, assisting in the care of souls in a manner that is consistent with the word of Christ that I am familiar with. When on staff at a lutheran school there is a natural need for collaboration. Ideas and ideals are shared to better the learning process/experience for students. This collaboration should be considered when working with the Lord. He should be considered to be on staff in the school setting. We must collaborate with the Lord and this will better the learning experience for students. This is a natural idea for me but it is also one that needs to be constantly reflected upon. 

Why am I a lutheran schools teacher? I am a Lutheran school teacher because God has called me to be one.  What an amazing way to find your profession.