Future of Lutheran Education
“For I know the plans I have for you,”
declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
An Opportunity Before Us
In the past 15 years the number of Lutheran elementary schools in our area has decreased from seven down to three. The three remaining schools are: St. James Lutheran, Northrop; St Paul Lutheran, Fairmont and St Paul’s Lutheran, Truman.
For several years the principals from these three Lutheran elementary schools and Martin Luther High School have been discussing declining enrollment.
They have tried to come up with answers to these questions:
• What can be done to improve the way Lutheran education is offered in our community?
• What can we do to make our Lutheran schools so outstanding that they will always be the preferred choice for parents and
• What can be done to improve the way Lutheran education is offered in our community?
• What can we do to make our Lutheran schools so outstanding that they will always be the preferred choice for parents and
children?
• How can we help relieve the financial pressure that Lutheran education poses to parents and to churches?
• How can we better serve our children and families?
Many ideas have been examined. All four principals came to the conclusion that this project requires more minds, experience, wisdom and time than any of them have. They chose to seek the counsel of an expert in dealing with change and restructuring of our Lutheran schools. David Roth, former Education Executive of MN South District-LCMS, suggested that Paul Brandt of New Horizon Ministry Consulting ( www.nhotw.com ) would be an excellent choice. Brandt comes highly recommended by educators and leaders from the LCMS nationwide.
• How can we help relieve the financial pressure that Lutheran education poses to parents and to churches?
• How can we better serve our children and families?
Many ideas have been examined. All four principals came to the conclusion that this project requires more minds, experience, wisdom and time than any of them have. They chose to seek the counsel of an expert in dealing with change and restructuring of our Lutheran schools. David Roth, former Education Executive of MN South District-LCMS, suggested that Paul Brandt of New Horizon Ministry Consulting ( www.nhotw.com ) would be an excellent choice. Brandt comes highly recommended by educators and leaders from the LCMS nationwide.
The Meeting of the Minds
On November 7, 2010 over 100 people from the four Lutheran schools attended an informational meeting to discuss enrollment and brain storm ideas about the future of Lutheran education. Mr. Paul Brandt gave a presentation about his services and led the discussion.
Pastors, teachers, young parents and long-time advocates of Lutheran education attended this meeting. They put forth many good ideas from many perspectives.
Pastors, teachers, young parents and long-time advocates of Lutheran education attended this meeting. They put forth many good ideas from many perspectives.
Feedback from Guests
The guests completed a follow-up survey that gave clear direction what the next steps should be.
Some survey comments were:
Some survey comments were:
“The benefit of a consultant is to get a view point from outside of the area who has no vested interest in any of the congregations/schools - but can be objective in offering advice and opinions.”
“He (Paul Brandt) has the experience and I think it is good to have a fresh set of eyes on the issue.”
“We need to look to the future and start making the changes needed to keep Lutheran education strong. God is giving us financial resources ...and we need to step up and make the necessary changes that are needed.”