Written by Greg Schmill

Clear expectations are always helpful. If we know what is expected, we then can do all we are capable of to meet those expectations. This definitely applies to what is expected of us as called workers. A quick check of 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 helps us understand God’s clear expectations of us—above reproach, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and more. But what are the specific expectations of our calling bodies? What do congregations expect to be true of the teachers who serve in our schools?

While I served as the director of the Commission on Lutheran Schools (CLS), I worked to answer that question. I began to gather information from call requests submitted to the CLS office and conducted a survey of a cross section of WELS congregation members, school board presidents, principals, pastors, and others to see what qualities congregations expect and look for in their teachers. I then analyzed the data and developed a “top ten” list of expectations, which I have been privileged to share at an MLC Symposium and at multiple Early Field Experience 1 sessions, and which I now share with you. Please consider them, discuss them, pray about them, and work to serve the most important expectations—those of our Lord—and also work to serve the expectations of our calling bodies. May God bless your efforts!

Top 10 Qualities Congregations Look for in Their Teachers

Number 10. Flexible: Teachers who are adaptable and able to flex with the changing landscape of education and the needs of the congregation. Able to use their gifts as most benefits the kingdom.

Number 9. Responsible and dependable: Called workers who demonstrate a willingness to take on responsibilities and follow through. Who understand their roles and are willing to hold one another accountable—and be accountable.

Number 8. Willing to serve the school AND the congregation: Teachers who recognize their call is a “both . . . and,” not an “either . . . or.” Goal is to be givers, not simply absorbers, of a congregation’s energy and resources.

Number 7. Team player: Teachers who work well with other teachers, with parents, with members, and with the students. Able to and do put others ahead of self.

Number 6. Diligent: Workers who are diligent in preparation and are willing to put in the time necessary to care for those entrusted to their care. Don’t count the hours, but rather, make the hours count!

Number 5. Loves children and the Lord: Teachers who live the words of 1 Corinthians 13. Pictures of compassion and patience. Truly, they have hearts for the lost.

Number 4. Strong interpersonal skills: Teachers who recognize teaching is a “people business.” Are confident communicators and good listeners. Relationship builders.

Number 3. Grounded and growing in teaching skills: Called workers who are strong and capable classroom instructors with appropriate classroom management strategies. Having specific expertise in a specific grade level, technology, special ed, etc. Are the professionals in the room.

Number 2. Christ-like servant: Teachers with true servants’ hearts who are willing to sacrifice and serve and do so with joy. Recognize that just as Christ came to this earth to serve, they are blessed to be able to serve others.

Number 1. Grounded and growing in God and his Word: Not surprisingly (and yet, thankfully) the number one expectation of congregations is that the teachers are students of God and his Word. Growing in faith through time in the Word. Possessing strong and resilient faith so that they are able to encourage others in their own spiritual growth. Possessing a clear understanding of sin and grace, and the law and the gospel.

High expectations? Yes! But we are never in this alone. We have our God, who has given us the free gift of salvation. We have his Word and sacraments. We have his assurance that he is with us. We have fellow-Christian encouragers that he puts into our lives. We have his grace in all things!

May God bless your service to him and to those who have called you to serve them and with them!

Greg Schmill (DMLC ’80) currently serves as the president of Ministry Leadership Institute. Greg has been a WELS teacher and administrator for over 30 years, and has served at the elementary, high school, and synodical level. He most recently served as the director of the Commission on Lutheran Schools.