Written by Nathan Reich

Historically, most congregations that operated Lutheran elementary schools (LES) did not have any sort of outreach program. They really didn’t need it. It was almost a given that member children would attend the LES. That is not true anymore. Principals, school boards, and councils need to have plans to promote their school among their members and the greater community. Cradle rolls, moms-and-tots outings, and Sunday school programs are excellent ways to promote an LES within a congregation.

But what about promotion among other WELS churches? If there is another WELS congregation nearby that does not operate an LES, wouldn’t it be great if most of their member children would attend a Lutheran school? How can one congregation promote their school to other congregations without looking like they are “sheep stealers”? How can congregations work together in support of Lutheran education? Principals need to take the lead in creating healthy relationships with area WELS churches.

A Look Inward
Before a school can promote itself to the outside, it must first look inward. Principals need to lead an honest review of what is working well and what needs improvement. The first step in self-examination is to look at the mission and vision of the school. Even if your school is not yet accredited, you should have mission and vision statements. Are you living these statements? Our WELS schools’ number-one reason for existence is to proclaim the love of Christ. Is that evident in the words and actions of the teachers, leaders, and congregation?

WELS principals are leaders who perform many tasks, but one that needs to be at the top of list is that of visionary leader. Visionary leadership in the school means that “the principal collaboratively involves the school community in sustaining shared values, vision, and goals” (Mombourquette, 2017, p. 20). Live your mission and vision statements, and strive for excellence. Where do you see your school in the future? The principal needs to exhibit an initiator style of leadership when creating “clear, decisive, long-range policies and goals” (Hall and Hord, 2015, p. 139). Long-range planning is essential when pursuing excellence.

Our WELS schools do an outstanding job of sharing the gospel and should ensure their academic education is also outstanding. People need to like what they see in all aspects of your school before you promote your school to other congregations and around the community. A quality Lutheran school has high standards and is striving to meet them.

Working with Other Congregations
Now that an inward examination is complete, it is time to go out and share the great message about your school. The first group to work with is your ministry team (pastors, staff ministers, ECE directors, etc.), followed by your council, school board, and voters’ assembly. Make sure everyone understands the purpose of reaching out to other churches. Too many congregations—and called workers as well—get territorial and view other congregations as a threat. As a synod, we have the blessing of walking together with other congregations in our fellowship. Let’s actually walk together. Our goal is not to take members from other congregations, but to offer a valuable service to these congregations.

Once your team understands the importance and goals of working with other congregations, meet with area pastors one on one. Communicate your goals with them. Find out the impression your school has in their congregation. Take time to create a personal relationship with these fellow ministers of the gospel. Another step in creating strong relationships is having an annual school board meeting where you invite area pastors to attend. Your board members need to know the area pastors, and vice versa. Share ideas and create plans to work together in support of Lutheran elementary education.

As you create strong working relationships with pastors and area congregations, explore ways to be present in those congregations. Especially if you already have children in your school from other churches, and even if you do not, have classes from your school sing at area worship services. The principal should always attend services where a class is singing. Ask if you can speak to the congregation after the service. Highlight one or two great things happening at your school, such as winning a basketball tournament or holding an upcoming art fair. Give them fliers about school events that they can hand out to their Sunday schools. Take time to get to know their leaders and members. Maybe you will even be allowed to do a more formal presentation at their congregation. Find ways to genuinely share the message about your amazing school!

Christ has called all Christians to spread the gospel. As brothers and sisters in Christ in the WELS, let’s support each other in spreading the gospel in as many ways as possible, including working together in support of Lutheran elementary education.

Nathan Reich (’12) is the principal and upper grades teacher at St. Paul Lutheran School – Green Bay WI. He is also pursuing a Master of Science in Educational Administration with a principal emphasis.

References
Hall, G. & Hord, S. (2015). Implementing Change: Patterns, Principles, and Potholes. Boston: Pearson.

Mombourquette, C. (2017). The Role of Vision in Effective School Leadership. International Studies in Educational Administration. (Vol. 45), pp. 19-35.