To Commend and Give Thanks for Lutheran Schools

WHEREAS, The Triune God commands that children be taught His Word by their parents and by the Church, (Deut. 4:9–10; 6:5–9; Psalm 78; Matt. 19:13–15; 28:16–20; Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 4:10–11); and

WHEREAS, Congregations of The Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) have established early childhood centers, day schools, and high schools to teach the Word of God, and to assist fathers and mothers in their calling to instruct their children in the same Word and all godly knowledge; and

WHEREAS, During the 2022–23 school year 1,677 early childhood centers, 816 day schools, and 103 high schools were operated by the congregations and recognized service organizations of the Synod; and

WHEREAS, In the 2022–23 academic year these early childhood centers, day schools, and high schools, through their over 21,000 staff members, taught the Word of God to over 180,000 students; and

WHEREAS, In the 2022–23 academic year 1,794 students were baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit; and

WHEREAS, The last several years have seen substantial growth in various models of Lutheran schools, including classical Lutheran schools, micro-schools, homeschools, and other emerging school models; and

WHEREAS, LCMS School Ministry has established the Genesis Project, which assists congregations in determining the feasibility of a new school plant; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention commend all early childhood teachers, day school teachers, high school teachers, administrators, and all those who serve in our Lutheran schools, especially throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and give thanks to God for their faithful service; and be it further

Resolved, That all congregations of the LCMS be encouraged in their continued operation and support of our Lutheran schools; and be it further

Resolved, That congregations, circuits, and districts, be encouraged to consult with LCMS School Ministry to explore expansion, new school plants, and other opportunities for various Lutheran school models in their respective communities; and be it further

Resolved, That all parents who are members of LCMS congregations be encouraged, where available, to enroll their children in our Lutheran schools; and be it further

Resolved, That the pastors and congregations of our Synod view their schools as the front line of the mission field; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for the growth of Lutheran schools, including classical Lutheran schools, micro-schools, homeschools, and all other emerging school models that provide instruction in Lutheran doctrine and godly knowledge; and be it finally

Resolved, That the Synod in convention give thanks to God for His blessing and work in the schools of our Synod by rising and singing “Lord, Help Us Ever to Retain” (Lutheran Service Book, 865).

1. Lord, help us ever to retain The Catechism’s doctrine plain As Luther taught the Word of truth In simple style to tender youth.

2. Help us Your holy Law to learn, To mourn our sin and from it turn In faith to You and to Your Son And Holy Spirit, Three in One.

3. Hear us, dear Father, when we pray For needed help from day to day That as Your children we may live, Whom You baptized and so received.

4. Lord, when we fall or go astray, Absolve and lift us up, we pray; And through the Sacrament increase Our faith till we depart in peace