Southeastern District Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Search
Close this search box.

Starting a School

New beginnings through school ministry

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:19

The Mission Future for schools in the Southeastern District is filled with potential new beginnings for Child Development Center programs, preschool, elementary, and high schools. This means the ongoing opportunity to reach into our communities with the Gospel of Jesus is astounding! Remember these new mission starts in your prayers and chapels. If you are interested in helping to support a new school ministry, let me know. It would be great to have classrooms of children praying for the start of something new!

The Top Ten Reasons Why Congregations Start Lutheran Schools

1. Strengthen the congregation
2. Nurture the children’s faith
3. Help parents fulfill their role as Christian parents
4. Strengthen their communities
5. Provide a safe, caring place for children
6. Help children see all of their lives from the perspective of God’s Word
7. Demonstrate the high value the congregation places on children
8. Enhance the public relations of the congregation
9. Seek out the lost
10. Fulfill the congregation’s responsibility for the Christian education of its children.

Demographics Study

LCEF will prepare a demographics study that will assist in understanding the community and potential number of students in the targeted age. A free study can be requested through the LCEF offices at the Southeastern District.

Child Development Centers

When a congregation or mission team envisions supporting and serving the families of the surrounding communities they may consider an  Early Childhood Center that provides full day-care for infants and children up to age 5.  The Southeastern District provides team support in this effort. Kirk Hymes, LCEF Vice President; Tom Kolb, Executive for Schools, Youth, and Family Ministry; Bill Nau, consultant; Deaconess Sally Hiller, Executive Director for District Operations; and the Regional Mission and Ministry Facilitator work together to assist in the study and development of a Center.

Microschool Opportunity

    • Microschooling has recently emerged as a noteworthy and growing phenomenon in U.S. education. The opportunity for LCMS congregations and schools includes the utilization of microschools as a solution for serving children in their communities. Traditional schools require significant financial capital, larger enrollments and staffing, and facilities large enough to fit a larger student body. Microschools can open quickly in non-traditional spaces and require a much less up-front financial investment. In addition, microschools can reduce risk to a congregation or schools while offering a way for smaller churches or schools to consider growing or adding to their educational ministry.
    • Click here to download the Powerpoint from Soaring Education Services

Contact Tom Kolb, Executive Director Schools and Youth at tkolb@se.lcms.org for more information.