Written by Aaron Markgraf

It’s no secret. Many Lutheran churches and schools around the country are struggling to find ways to grow. They see many of the long-time members of their congregation go home to heaven. They’re trying to find ways to replace large graduating classes with equal or greater incoming classes. They’re competing with other churches that offer more “modern” worship styles. They’re battling other private or even public schools with updated facilities and numerous extracurricular offerings. So what do we do?

It starts with leaders.
I’ve had the chance to be a part of many different ministry teams in my life, and one thing about successful, growing ministries always holds true: solid leadership. It’s people who focus on relationship building and working to make sure that students and their families are connected to Jesus through the work of the church and school. It’s people who understand education and what students need to be successful. One person alone cannot carry a ministry on their back with these things alone. Rather, it takes an entire faculty, staff, and ministry team that buy into this mindset.

I implore ministry leaders to work on becoming that type of leader if they aren’t already. Rev. Lauersdorf (1991) discusses following the example of THE Leader. Here are just a few of the practical ways we can emulate that Christ-like leadership: Leaders who have empathy and can communicate effectively have the ability to bring people in to hear the wonderful news of God’s grace to undeserving sinners! Leaders who can encourage and inspire hold the key to seeing young souls who need Jesus fill the desks of our classrooms. They have the ability to push church leadership groups to expand and explore new ministry efforts. They have the power to push faculties and staffs to excel and offer an educational service that is so irresistible, people can’t help but take a look at what’s going on in our schools.

It may require change.
In many ministry settings that are not growing, we are confronted with the dreaded C-word. CHANGE. What needs to change in your ministry in order for people to come to you? Does everyone see that need for change? Are people content with the way things are, or do they—as I hope you do—think there is potential for more? How can you rally the troops to implement some change in your ministry? Heifetz & Laurie (1997) call these “adaptive change” issues that. when left unattended, may lead to a business’s (or ministry’s) demise.

Allow me to share some examples from my own experience. I have witnessed these effective avenues for change:

1. Cling to the Word. Participate in as much personal and corporate Bible study as you possibly can. Let this motivate you and fill you up with the passion you need to serve (Patterson, 2011).
2. Start with relationships. Establish a connection with as many people in the ministry as possible. These partnerships are needed in order for growth to occur.
3. Grow personally and professionally so that you can improve the service offered by your church and school to those you serve (Patterson, 2011).
4. Evaluate the overall ministry. What are the weaknesses that need to be addressed immediately? What are the things that need to be improved over time? “Get on the balcony” to gain perspective (Heifetz & Laurie, 1997).
5. Market. Advertise. Evangelize. Reach out. “The harvest is plentiful . . .” Research best practices to make your ministry known to the community. Be prepared to welcome new people to your ministry family.
6. Be comfortable with discomfort. Robert Quinn (1996) refers to “deep change” as “walking naked into the land of uncertainty.” Difficult conversations will have to be had. People will question and be uneasy through change processes. Endure this struggle.

If you’re looking for some great suggestions on how to push growth in your Christian school (and your church), I strongly recommend reading Don Patterson’s paper, “What Practical Experience Teaches Us about Lutheran Schools” (2011). It can be found via the WLS essay file. I have received numerous encouragements and a renewed passion for ministry every time I have read it. I would say it’s a must-read for any ministry leader who has anything to do with a school.

God bless us all as we seek to expand our ministries for the benefit of the kingdom!

Aaron Markgraf (’17) serves as principal and grade 7-8 teacher at St. Paul-Norfolk NE. Aaron is also enrolled in MLC’s Master of Science in Educational Administration program – principal emphasis.

References
Heifetz, R., & Laurie, D. (1997, January/February). The work of leadership. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from http://www.nhcue.edu.tw/~aca/fte/95-2/4.pdf

Lauersdorf, R. (1991). Personal qualities of a Christian leader. Retrieved from https://wlsessays.net.

Patterson, D. (2011). What practical experience teaches us about Lutheran schools. A Symposium on Lutheran Schools- Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. http://essays.wisluthsem.org:8080/bitstream/handle/123456789/4283/PattersonSchools.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y.

Quinn, R. E. (1996). Walking naked into the land of uncertainty. In Deep change: Discovering the leader within. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.