Since school has been in session for over a month now, I've been thinking quite a bit about Lutheran schools in general and ours in particular. I've been thinking about the strengths of our schools (as opposed to public schools as well as to other Christian or private schools). I've also thought about the relationship between our churches and our schools.
I could go on and on about these two topics, but let me just share some observations from this title page of on of the books on my shelf. It's from a music book (copyright 1894) that I got from my great-uncle George after he died.
If you can't read German or Fraktur script, the title page explains that the book is a mixed collection of songs, sacred and secular, German and English, in various parts. But then it states the book's intended use: "for our schools."
Observation #1: Our schools are a part of our churches. The mission of our schools flow from the mission of our churches. That is reason for supporting them.
Observation #2: Lutherans have been at this for a long time. Yes, things have changed over the years. But Lutherans (all the way back to Luther himself) have always seen Christian education as a key part of our work.
Observation #3: Music has an invaluable place in our Lutheran schools. It has a place in education because it's a good teacher. It has a place in Christian education because it proclaims the gospel to our students and it gives our students the opportunity to proclaim the gospel to others at worship. And then it also prepares them for a lifetime of gospel proclamation through music—for themselves and for others in corporate worship.
Regarding this last observation, I am very excited to use a new resource video that was recently published called Children Making Music. I hope that things like this go a long way to building interest in children and music in general. But I believe that is a step in the right direction to help build awareness of the role music plays in the proclamation of the gospel.
Like I said, I could go on and on about these things. But it is a topic that is dear to my heart and a big part of my current role.
A Shepherd's Story 