The joy and rewards gained from becoming a Lutheran school teacher cannot be counted. Each day is filled with joy upon joy. Did you teach Sunday School or volunteer at Vacation Bible School? Many future teachers begin their journey in just that way.
The opportunity to serve as a volunteer gives you the chance to experience some of what a teacher does, but in a limited capacity. God will lead you to decide if teaching is where He is directing you. Listen to His voice.
Using Your Gifts to Bless the Next Generation
The Bible tells us in Romans 12:4–7:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching.
We do not want anyone to hide the gifts given by God. Develop them and share the gift of teaching, if God has blessed you with that gift.
We are also reminded in Matthew 19:14,
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”
The little children are precious in God’s eyes. Lutheran school teachers have the blessing of touching those lives no matter what age. From the littlest of littles to the youth in the church, the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. As a teacher, you can be a part of this by sharing your faith each day. Your vocation is given to you by God as you listen to Him guiding you.
Insights from Lutheran Educators
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is blessed with many dedicated and talented teachers in our 35 districts. In my talks with several of these educators, they shared the following insights about becoming a Lutheran school teacher.
1. Sharing Your Faith Is a Blessing
“One of the greatest blessings and opportunities you will have is sharing Jesus and your faith with your students and their families. You may be the only source of faith and light in their lives. God has equipped and prepared you for this calling, and He will be with you every step of the way.”
2. You Serve Beyond the Classroom
“Lutheran teachers serve students, parents, congregations, and communities. You have the opportunity to serve beyond your classroom.”
Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Lutheran teachers support, encourage, and walk alongside more people than just the students.
3. Flexibility Matters
“Be prepared to be flexible. Some of the most meaningful learning happens when things do not go as planned, whether it is adapting a lesson, connecting with a student on the playground, or helping students work through a conflict.”
“Your creativity and energy will bring learning to life for the students.”
4. Lean on Others
“It is important to lean on the leaders, teachers, and mentors around you. You are not alone on this journey and have a community that is there to support you through the long days and the lessons that do not go as planned.”
A faculty is a team serving together as one person supports another and service relationships are built.
5. Consider the Need
“There are far more open teaching positions than candidates in our Lutheran schools.”
If God is calling you into Lutheran education, listen carefully and seek out a trusted mentor to share your thoughts with. Ask for their prayers as you consider this vocation.
Scripture: ESV®.
Whether used for personal discernment or in conversations about church-work vocations, Set Apart to Serve invites readers to explore the blessings, challenges, and opportunities of serving Christ and His people.
