The Ewell (B)Log - Our Lutheran Schools in Mission - Part II

Submitted by Timothy Ewell on July 1, 2008 - 2:59pm.

This is my second blog entry in a series on the mission and ministry opportunities in our Lutheran schools in the early part of the 21st Century. My last blog entry, dated May 4, dealt with the tremendous mission opportunities that are afforded by our Lutheran schools and the three key challenges that I see facing our schools (early childhood centers through college) at this time.

I firmly believe that our Lutheran schools are needed today more than ever. I cannot think of a potentially more effective way to reach unchurched, de-churched and nominally churched children and their families, than through our schools. In addition, our Lutheran educational ministries continue to help thousands of families each year in bringing up their children in the saving knowledge of their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yet, the vitality and viability of Lutheran schools is threatened today by a world view that has largely abandoned children and youth. Recognizing the tremendous opportunities and challenges facing our schools early in the 21st Century, the District Education Executives devoted a good portion of their recent summer conference to begin the work of developing a strategic plan for our schools. I believe this to be critical for being able to continue to faithfully and fruitfully pass along the life-changing faith in Jesus Christ to future generations of children and their families.

To this end, as an initial step, the following major challenges/concerns/areas of focus were developed that will be at the heart of the strategic plan. They are:

  • Focus on the Lost
  • Financial Viability
  • Leadership
  • Marketing and Retaining Customers
  • Excellence
  • Vision
  • Building Healthy Team Relationships
  • Worker Care
  • Technology
  • Retooling Teachers and Administrators
  • Cultural/Intergenerational Awareness
  • Regional Cooperation
  • Small School Resources
  • Revitalization in Urban Areas
  • Different/Innovative School Models

    • I know this is a long and ambitious list and there will be a further narrowing in the months to come and a fleshing out of the final areas of focus after that.

    I do ask for your prayers, input, other feedback and partnership in this endeavor to help, by God's grace and power, strengthen and secure our beloved, missionally-focused Lutheran schools and that they may truly become the school of choice in their community. Our Lutheran schools do make a difference both now and for eternity in the hearts and lives of the students, families and communities that they have been called to serve. To God be the glory!

    In Christ,
    Tim