The new academic year begins this week for most of our parochial schools throughout the Indiana District, whereas our teachers and administrators have no doubt been hard at work already for some time now, planning and preparing for the work they are given to do.
For all of us, it is an especially appropriate opportunity for prayer and intercession on behalf of those who teach and those who learn (whether in one of our Lutheran parochial schools or not). It is likewise an occasion for thanksgiving to God for each and all of our school administrators, teachers, and staff, who devote themselves, their time and energy, to this labor of love. There is much dedication required – and there are many personal sacrifices involved – in serving these callings and stations, and I hope that all of us are able to recognize and acknowledge such gifts.
The beginning of another academic year is also an ideal time to consider the profound privilege that we are given – collectively as the people of God, and individually as Christians in a variety of ways – to catechize and otherwise educate the children that our gracious Lord has entrusted to our care and supervision. This is surely a most precious stewardship, not to seek our own benefit or advantage, but to protect and provide for these young people while also preparing them for the future that their gracious Lord (and ours) has prepared for them and created them for.
In considering this privilege, we recognize that God has given the authority and responsibility for the education of children to their fathers and mothers, first and foremost. It is always our goal to respect, support, and uphold those parents in their God-given office and vocation, trusting that He will accomplish His purposes through them for the benefit and blessing of their children.
Similarly, God has called, ordained, and sent His pastors to preach and teach His Word to His children (of all ages, young and old and in between) in His Name and stead. In this we have moved from the Fourth Commandment to the Third, although fathers and mothers are also intimately involved in the catechesis of their children, passing on to their sons and daughters what they themselves have heard and received through the Ministry of the Word.
Historically, it has often been the case that fathers and mothers have enlisted the assistance of teachers to work with them in the education of their children. Consequently, the authority and responsibilities of teachers – and the honor due them – derive from that parental delegation, as Luther discusses and explains in the Large Catechism. The Lutheran Church as a whole, and the Missouri Synod in particular, has recognized the great benefit and blessing in supporting and assisting fathers and mothers in this capacity, and so has established schools to meet this need.
As I’ve written elsewhere, our Lutheran schools (of all kinds) serve the purpose of teaching the Word of God, teaching children to receive, appreciate, and use God’s good gifts of creation, and training students to confess the faith and live in love for their neighbors within their own context. To these ends, we give thanks for the marvelous partnerships that exist between pastors, fathers and mothers, principals, and teachers – between the church, the home, and our parochial schools – in handing over the faith once delivered to the saints, catechizing children in the Law and the Gospel, and preparing students for a life of faith and love in service to their neighbors.
Let us never cease to pray for our families and our parishes as they work together in common cause to bring up young people in the fear and admonition of the Lord, to the praise and honor of His Holy Name! The Lord bless and sustain those who are already members of His Kingdom, and grant repentance, faith, and life in Christ Jesus to as many as He will call to Himself.