Written by Dr. John Meyer
Every teacher is special. Through them, children and young people develop full and productive lives. But Lutheran teachers are more, and being one is an awesome privilege and a tremendous responsibility.
An Awesome Privilege
Lutheran teachers are called. That’s not just a fancy way of saying hired. A call comes from God through a group of believers in Christ (Acts 1) to people whom he has appointed and gifted for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13). Their contract is with God, and so the call is divine (Gerlach, 1977; Mueller, 1988). Since Lutheran teachers do not seek their positions by putting out résumés (Romans 10:15; Hebrews 5:4), they are confident that God himself has appointed them to serve where they are (Fehlauer, 1968; Gerlach, n.d.; Mueller, 1988).
Lutheran teachers are public ministers. They may not preach from the pulpit, but they represent Christ and daily get to share his gospel with children and their families. Through the call, a group of believers appoints teachers to publicly carry out its gospel ministry “on behalf of, in the name of, and in place of the calling body” (Mueller, 1988, p. 3).
Lutheran teachers minister to children and their families. Those who serve children, serve Jesus (Matthew 18:4). Lutheran teachers nurture and guide children to heaven by teaching them God’s Word and spiritual songs, by correctly applying law and gospel to their lives, by leading them to worship Jesus, and by teaming with caregivers to encourage children’s spiritual growth (Albrecht, 1964; Fehlauer, 1968). They use the power of God’s Word to counsel and comfort their students. Often, they are missionaries, sharing the gospel with children and adults who have never heard it before (Keibel, 1964; Mueller, 1988).
A Tremendous Responsibility
Lutheran teachers model godly living. Christ sets high expectations for those who serve in public ministry. They are reliable, able to teach others, and able to endure hardship (2 Timothy 2). They have a deep knowledge of the truths of God’s Word and sound doctrine, and so they are able to recognize and refute false teachings (1 Timothy 3:9; Titus 1:9). A detailed list of characteristics of the called public minister is recorded in 1 Timothy 3.
Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (1 Timothy 3: 1-4)
Lutheran teachers are entrusted with children’s souls. This work requires great care (Swantz, 1954) because Jesus gives dire warnings to those who cause children to stumble in their faith (Matthew 18:6). The Lutheran teacher must be sure to teach and apply God’s Word correctly, to use law and gospel appropriately when disciplining, and to teach all subjects in a way that glorifies God and aligns with his Word (Fehlauer, 1968; Grunze, 1965; Habermann, 1964; Keibel, 1964).
Lutheran teachers are leaders in the congregation. Motivated by Christ’s love, called ministers set an example of faith and faithful living (Gerlach, n.d.). They serve with love and devotion whenever and however is needed, not as people who punch a time clock (Gerlach, 1977; Sorgatz, 1964). They serve on committees and boards, volunteer at school and congregation events, and provide wise counsel when requested by the congregation, never asking whether these duties are specified in their calls.
A Necessary Preparation
Lutheran teachers know God’s Word. They are more than teachers who are Lutheran. They are public ministers who know the Bible so deeply that they can teach it correctly, recognize doctrinal errors in secular subjects and Christian songs and devotional materials, and refute false teachings. They know when and how to properly use God’s law and gospel. They appreciate the Lutheran heritage with its emphasis on Scripture, grace, faith, and Christ alone. Lutheran teachers have not only studied the entire Bible, they understand Christian doctrine and agree with the Lutheran Confessions (Fehlauer, 1968; Grunze, 1965; unknown, 1965).
Lutheran teachers are redeemed. No one is worthy to be called by God into public ministry. No one is always faithful with God’s Word, disciplines perfectly, and correctly applies the law and gospel (Ecclesiastes 7:20). Even the most faithful servants fail to meet the responsibilities of the divine call. The best part of being a Lutheran teacher is that the One who calls (Jesus) is also the One who saves (Romans 8:30). Jesus calls Lutheran teachers and makes them worthy to serve (Ephesians 4:11).
Dr. John Meyer (DMLC ’87) is the director of synod certification for WELS teachers.
References
Albrecht, M. (1964, May). The Christian teacher and the parents. The Lutheran Educator, pp. 7-9.
Fehlauer, A. (1968, October ). To those who teach. The Lutheran Educator, p. 5.
Gerlach, J. (1977). The servant’s call. Michigan District Pastor-Teacher Conference.
Gerlach, J. (n.d.). Practical applications of the teacher’s call. unknown.
Grunze, R. W. (1965, October). A necessary choice. The Lutheran Educator, pp. 2-4.
Habermann, E. (1964, May). The Christian teacher and his calling. The Lutheran Educator, pp. 2-3.
Keibel, A. K. (1964, May). Fishers of men. The Lutheran Educator, p. 1.
Mueller, W. (1988). A biblical perspective of Christian ministry. Milwaukee, WI: WELS Board for Parish Ministry: Task Force on Alternate Forms of Public Ministry.
Sorgatz, E. H. (1964, May). The Christian teacher and his congregation. The Lutheran Educator, pp. 4-6.
Swantz, R. (1954). The glory of the teaching ministry. unknown.
Unknown. (1965, October). Bringing the Lutheran heritage to our children. The Lutheran Educator, pp. 14-15.
Last fall at the WELS Michigan teacher’s conference had an outstanding presentation about teacher wellness that focused on Physical, Spiritual, and Professional well-being. I do feel it is up to the individual to be sure to take care of themselves, set realistic goals, and be honest with their congregation when they feel overburdened. It is ok to say “I need help” or “no” to some extra activities.
Many of my fellow graduates have since left the ministry in the past ten years of either burn out, disenchantment, or differing life goals. God is guiding their lives whether or not they remain in the ministry.
I most certainly have not had a traditional career path. I too had an interesting exit interview, especially as I deferred assignment. I’ve taught in private schools, helped in public, and even in the Missouri Synod. My current WELS call has been fluid, every year my responsibilities, even grades change depending on the church’s needs.
This life will be full of troubles, but teaching in Lutheran schools is still an awesome privilege and responsibility. It’s certainly not for everyone.. High turnover is a problem that needs to be addressed, but only by informing others, as this article does, about what exactly the “call” even means. Informing congregations of realistic expectations and forms of support can help some very loaded “calls” that still fill the latest call reports.
Thank you for the straightforward presentation of the role of a called Lutheran school teacher.
It is easy to look at called workers “jobs” and forget that they are much more than hired hands. They are called as true shepherds and not hirelings. Being a shepherd is not a glamorous position, and it isn’t bound by the hours that the lambs are at the shepherd’s side.
Those of us who are Lutherans who are teachers in other schools, myself included, also work very hard and put in many hours beyond the school day; however, there is time away that truly belongs to us. We are not “on the job” when we worship on Sunday, nor are we looked to as examples in our church community. We have contracts that spell out our responsibilities, and we can choose to fulfill those and no more. It is similar, but not equal.
Your piece reminds us that shepherding Jesus’ lambs is both an intimidating responsibility and an immeasurable honor.
I have seen schools close because teachers and principals are unable to handle the basics. There are many teachers given calls that should not be teaching! The synod continues to shuffle them thru schools where children are harmed, undereducated, bullied….always swept under the rug as a “call”. We have supported and had our children attend several WELS schools over 30 years. A bad call does irreparable damage and nothing is ever done.
Is being a Lutheran teacher awesome or is being an MLC teacher awesome? I am a Lutheran, and a teacher so therefore a Lutheran teacher but not trained by MLC. Not sure what is actually meant by this article…am I not then good enough then if I didn’t receive a call from the higher ups at MLC? I have been given a call by God though, to spread the news of him wherever I am…including public schools, the mall, the grocery store….right?
I am a Lutheran. I am a teacher.
I was not trained at MLC and did not receive a call on call day.
I am a Lutheran. I am a teacher. I was trained at a small Christian College.
I work in the public schools….am I not more? Am I not equally as important or special?
I am just as important because I am a Lutheran teacher working in the public sector and living/sharing my faith through my daily interactions with the staff and students at the school I work at. Those who may never have heard of their Savior – I am the salt and light in a dark world.
This article was offensive to me and perhaps anyone else who happens to be a teacher who is Lutheran but chose not to attend MLC for training.
I am sorry that you are offended by this article, but I would venture to guess Dr. Meyer’s purpose here was not as a comparison. I believe he was simply stating that due to the AWESOME calling and responsibility God has extended to called workers (teachers, pastors, and staff ministers) that although undeserved, it is an awesome calling. There is no hierarchy involved… those who are “called” by God to serve as doctors, lawyers, highway department workers, garbage workers, farmers, public school teachers, or any other occupation or profession that gives glory to God while being done is also awesome!
The part that makes the called worker’s profession special is not in us as the worker, but rather that we are charged to work with and share the life-giving message of the Gospel each and every day we “clock-in”. That doesn’t just meet a goal or a quota for a bottom line – that impacts with the power of the Holy Spirit people’s eternal salvation. No other profession (as great as living a life of faith and “light” of Jesus) impacts people’s eternity in quite the same manner. I’d say that makes being a called worker AWESOME, and I am unashamed to say it!
May God continue to bless our system of WELS education, our worker training schools, and all of our churches and faithful members in a time where carrying out our mission is becoming more and more complex, so that more souls can come in contact with the changeless truths of a Savior Jesus!
As I read through many of the responses to this article I am compelled to say that we must never forget that this called ministry is a privilege and a “way of life”. We cannot compare it to hours per day or per week. We labor for the Lord and not ourselves. The souls that we serve are too precious to not give it our all and do that all the time. I have served for 46 years and I still thank God each and everyday for this rare privilege to be called His servant. Why God chose me I will never know or understand, but He did and I strive to give Him my best. I have known hundreds of teachers in our schools and they have all professed the rare privilege that it is to serve handling the very Word of God daily with the children. Teaching Bible classes, leading youth work, serving on committees, attending conferences, and counseling God’s people are all part of the blessed work. Thanks be God that we mere humans get to share in such a blessed work. I would do it all over agin with no complaints. Jesus did not complain that He had to spend many hours serving sinful people. This is the grace and mercy of God and His Son Jesus. We are asked to be part of that grand and glorious work. May God keep all of our teachers faithful to the work at hand. The time is growing short and all other issues in life will seem unimportant when the last trumpet sounds. Pray for God’s help each and everyday to be a faithful and loving servants to His people. Thank you Jesus for this special and rare privilege.
Thank you Dr. Meyer. Your words are a blessing to all who teach in our Synod. I pray that the members of our Synod recognize that our schools are the jewel of our Synod in part because of our dedicated and faithful servants who labor in the classrooms each and every day serving their Lord with Joy; but, thanks mainly goes to our gracious God who has blessed the ministry of our teachers for generations.
I have always professed that our Lutheran Schools are a blessing to our nation and to the world. The entire network of our schools is so unique that it is hard to describe and explain to people. Our schools have helped preserve another generation for the Lord on this earth. We are the envy of many other church bodies. That combined with our strong scriptural stand brings many blessings from the Lord.
That being said, I pray that we never take this special blessing for granted. It takes the full support of our pastors and laity to keep the schools operating as true Parish Schools that fully proclaim the whole council of Christ. We are at war with the devil and his forces that would love to destroy this wonderful blessing. May we remain on our guard as called teachers to keep the doctrinal purity of the scriptures at the heart of what we do in our schools.
May God bless our teachers as they labor in His service everyday.
How do we respond to the fact that dozens of teachers, if not more, “called” by God, had their calls “eliminated” during the first decade of the 21st century?
Good question, but I’m not seeing the connection to the blog article. Can you articulate that connection for me so I might more fully respond?
I will agree that the teaching part is awesome. However, sometimes other things are forced upon teachers that are not awesome. For example, when you meet with the MLC president just prior to graduation and are asked, “Is there anything that you would not feel comfortable doing?” You answer, “Coaching sports. I’ve never played any sports.” Then you get your first call on call day and it says, “Coach basketball, volleyball and track.” Another teacher has compassion on you and a passion for volleyball and asks if she can take over coaching volleyball. You gladly give it to her. You discover there are about 8 other people coaching track and that maybe, if you don’t say anything, no one will remember it was in your call. You are successful at staying under the radar. Basketball, however, is something you can’t get out of. You are a first year teacher with lots of prep work, correcting and planning you need to be doing. You only get one fifteen minute break a day (a recess) whereas your colleagues in public school get an hour when their students go to music, physical education, computer lab, library and an aide-supervised recess. You really need that time after school to do your school work, but you have to coach basketball until 5:00. By the time you can get at and finish your prep, it’s 6:00. Sometimes, you have out-of-town games on school nights and you can’t start your prep until 8:30 at night. To make matters worse, you know absolutely nothing about basketball and your head coach isn’t very understanding about it. The kindergarten teacher doesn’t coach any sports and she leaves at 4:00 every day, but makes the same amount of money you do. You can’t wait to get the next call out of there. Fortunately, you fall in love with a wonderful man, so you are able to resign and find another job teaching in a non-denominational school where you don’t have to coach sports. Of my eight closest friends who graduated from MLC, none are still teaching in a WELS elementary school. They all burned out and have gone on to seek other forms of employment. Every. Single. One. When I received my first call, I came to this town with a male teacher and his synod-certified spouse. They’ve also burned out and are currently working for the public school district and loving it. If you want to retain quality teachers, the lay people of the congregation need to step up to the plate. The teachers should not have to “serve on committees, boards, etc.” Good teachers put in 60 hours a week for little pay. It is the students who ultimately suffer when a teachers burns out. There is mission work, and there is slave labor. Do not stick teachers into calls that do not fit their gifts and abilities. I apologize from the long rant. This is something I’ve been wanting to say for 20 years.
Thanks for saying it.
Coming from a 5 generation family of nuermerous called workers, this is all true. Due to devil, world and flesh, it is not perfect. All involved called workers and lay members we all have to do God’s plan. Appreciate our called workers and dwell in the JOY of presenting Jesus to all. My grandfather, dad’s, brother, sister, brother-in-laws, daughter, son-in-law, son, granddaughter, aunts snd uncle’s favorite hymn is and was “I LOVE to tell the story” I am a lay member and happy for all my called workers. May God continue to be with us and bless us all.
My dad also had to clean tolits in a 1 room school. Life does go on. Work and than we can hear well done though good and faithful servant.
Well said. Your reaction was my reaction.
Wonderful article, reminds me how blessed I was to serve God’s people!
Thank you for this solid article, re-invigorating timeless truths for our times today.
Thank you for this post. It is a good reminder for those of us who are not called workers of the ways that our Lutheran teachers are such a blessing to us and our children, and how they come to our midst. The last paragraph is important to remember, that our teachers are redeemed sinners and will not achieve perfection, but need God’s grace as we all do.