On Monday, April (IV) 26th, 1847. at First Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Chicago, on the corner of LaSalle and Ohio Streets, 12 pastors and representatives from 14 congregations gathered to sign the Constitution of Die Deutsche Evangelisch-Lutherische Synode von Missouri, Ohio und andern Staaten, which later became The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The original constitution is now housed in the archival collection at Concordia Historical Institute in St. Louis, Missouri.

1.      The example of the Apostolic Church (Acts 15: 1- 31);

2.      The conservation and continuance of the unity of the true faith (Ephesians 4:3-13, 1 Corinthians 1: 10) and a united effort to resist every form of schism and sectarianism (Romans 16: 17);

3.      The protection of the pastors and congregations in the fulfillment of their duties and the maintenance of their rights;

4.      The endeavor to bring about the largest possible uniformity in church practice, church customs, and in general, congregational affairs;

5.      Our Lord's will that the diversities of gifts should be for the common profit (1 Corinthians 12:4-31); and

6.      A united effort to extend the Kingdom of God and to make possible and to promote special aims of the Synod (seminary, agenda, hymnbooks, Book of Concord, schoolbooks, distribution of the Bible, as well as domestic and international missionary activities).

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

When the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod was formed, it became a requirement of Synodical membership that congregations would provide Christian education for their children. This was before public schools were available and before Sunday schools were popular. Thus a congregation was expected to operate a Lutheran School if it was to become a member of the Synod. The Great Commission was not given only to parents, but to all members of the church. A current proverb, “It takes a village,” reminds congregations that it is their corporate responsibility to provide a Christian education for the children of the congregation.

Friends in Christ, our nation is in the middle of a cultural revolution that has been brewing for several years. Although there are many political and social issues that divide our nation, there is a much more important battle being fought. It is a battle for the hearts, minds, and souls of our children. The plans for the current battle were laid as early as 1918 when The Worker's Socialist Federation published a paper that accurately noted that "He who has the school has the future." The plan laid out more than 100 years ago was to indoctrinate children, to eliminate any public mention of God, and to rewrite history. Sound familiar?

Today, thousands of schools across the United States are teaching our children—starting in Kindergarten and sometimes as early as Preschool—that there is no hope, that there is no such thing as morality, that our founders were evil, and—worst of all—that there is no place for God in their lives. Of course, as Christians, we realize that the current battle is a part of a much larger war that the devil has been waging since Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Nevertheless, it is important for us to recognize that the battleground has shifted significantly over the last decade. While political and social debates in our nation traditionally took place within a framework of JudeoChristian morality, such debates now take place within a secular—some might say post-Christian—culture.

A maskil of Asaph.

¹ My people, hear my teaching;

    listen to the words of my mouth.

² I will open my mouth with a parable;

    I will utter hidden things, things from of old—

³ things we have heard and known,

    things our ancestors have told us.

⁴ We will not hide them from their descendants;

    we will tell the next generation

the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,

    his power, and the wonders he has done.

Lutheran schools, which enroll children from all parts of the community, provide new and varied opportunities for evangelism by the congregation and its staff. These opportunities are not available in any other way. That’s why Lutheran schools are considered the most effective agencies in congregational evangelism and why pastors of growing congregations with schools in nearly every case, identify the school as the congregation’s most effective outreach agency. Eighty-five percent of the fastest growing congregations in the Synod operate schools.

What are some other reasons to operate a Lutheran School? Find out!

By David Peter, Concordia Journal, (Vol. 40, Number 1)

“But I am convinced that the current decline in students preparing for the pastoral office—and for other auxiliary offices of the church—reflects to some extent the mindset of our age in which we see ourselves as the masters of our own destinies (and of that of our children) rather than as stewards of God’s gifts. In this spirit, the primary destiny to which we aspire—and to which we direct our children—is to “look only to the belly and to temporal livelihood.” Read more.

WE FOSTER EDUCATION

Schools in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod serve children in early childhood programs through grade 12 in over 1,885 schools nationwide and 3 schools internationally. Additionally, 6 colleges and universities operate to serve post-secondary and graduate students across the nation.

WE PURSUE EXCELLENCE

In a Christ-centered religiously integrated curriculum Lutheran schools meet or exceed state standards for high quality schools. Through National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA) schools complete a rigorous self-study, are reviewed by a team of peers and implement initiatives that provide a continuing program of excellence for students.

WE SHOW THE LOVE OF CHRIST

Caring, Christian teachers share the Word of God daily with children and families. Strengthening a home, school and church partnership, through an education of the whole child, students are prepared and equipped for a life of Christian citizenship and discipleship.

WE INNOVATE

Lutheran schools continually evolve to meet the needs of students and the communities they serve. Classical schools, academies, robotics, athletics, STEM, service learning, resource programs, drama, fine arts, blended classrooms and virtual schools are the many opportunities that students can explore and experience in reaching their full potential.

With school starting this month and area public schools beginning in September, be sure to thank a teacher! What a blessing that TLO Lutheran School has teachers and staff committed to sharing Christ in the classroom - Principal Kathryn Jones, our Teachers, and support staff, along with Concordia Academy and all our more than 1,800 LCMS Schools. Let’s also show our appreciation to those who teach in public schools, directly in the midst of a changing culture. Here’s an article posted by Sean Martens, Assistant to the President, Education, from the Minn. South District: 'Disrespected' and 'Dissatisfied': 7 Takeaways From a New Survey of Teachers.

Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church & School is blessed to provide a highly acclaimed Christian Preschool and Elementary School. Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran School is a ministry of Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church. This ministry provides a quality education (preschool through eighth grade) in a Christian setting. TLO students receive instruction in the Christian faith as a part of the regular curriculum.  

​“Equipping children for life-long learning and service by nurturing hearts and minds in Christ.”

​For more information contact TLO School Principal: Kathryn Jones or TLO Preschool Director Heather Bielec at 651-454-1139.

“He [Christ] paid dearly that men might everywhere have this office of preaching, baptizing, loosing, binding, giving the sacrament, comforting, warning, and exhorting with God’s word, and whatever else belongs to the pastoral office. For this office not only helps to further and sustain this temporal life and all the worldly estates, but it also gives eternal life and delivers from sin and death, which is its proper and chief work.”

Martin Luther, Luther’s Works, Vol. 46, ed. Robert C. Schultz (Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1967), 220.

⁵ He decreed statutes for Jacob

    and established the law in Israel,

which he commanded our ancestors

    to teach their children,

⁶ so the next generation would know them,

    even the children yet to be born,

    and they in turn would tell their children.

⁷ Then they would put their trust in God

    and would not forget his deeds

    but would keep his commands.

⁸ They would not be like their ancestors—

    a stubborn and rebellious generation,

whose hearts were not loyal to God,

    whose spirits were not faithful to him.

THE STUDENT UNION IS FOR YOU

Host Rev. Marcus Zill is the Director of Campus Ministry & LCMS U for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s (LCMS). The Student Union is a podcast for college students, as well as all those who work with, love, and care for them. Episodes explore diverse issues that college students face and offers ideas and support for everyone engaged in campus ministry in and around the collegiate community. The Student Union is produced by the LCMS Office of National Mission. To find more resources for campus ministry visit: lcms.org/campus-ministry

Learn more about CPS and its church work programs

Click here for an all-you-need-to-now document, compliments of Michigan District, LCMS

The new church work tuition model is available for all incoming and current full-time church work students. Learn about this amazing offer

Explore the educational programs available through:

Concordia University Ann Arbor;

Concordia University Chicago;

Concordia University Irvine;

Concordia University Nebraska;

Concordia University St. Paul;

Concordia University Texas,

Concordia University Wisconsin.

Visit Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Prospective students are welcome to visit campus to learn more about our programs, worship with the Seminary community, and meet current students and faculty by either scheduling a personalized visit or taking advantage of one of our scheduled annual visitation events offered throughout the year. Schedule your visit!

Does taking the next step in your future include enrolling at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis? Whether you have just begun to explore this possibility or you have considered attending the Seminary for a long time, we can’t wait to talk with you. Time to apply!

Almighty God, Your Son instructed His disciples during His earthly ministry and commanded them to teach all nations the things He gave to them. As Your church continues to teach the truth of Your love in Jesus Christ and the goodness of Your creation, bless both teachers and students, that all who teach and all who learn will trust in Jesus Christ as their savior and learn to serve their neighbor according to Your holy will. Encourage and strengthen our Lutheran schools, that they may be places where Your Word is truth and Your Son is glorified. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.