Missional Schools Workshop 

Post-Christendom has radically shifted the social and cultural landscape in which our Lutheran churches and schools serve.  In the once “Christendom” world, Lutheran schools existed primarily for church members. As churches declined in size, leaders of Lutheran schools expanded their horizons to include those in the general community interested in private, Christian education. But what do we do when the general community is no longer Christian? How do we intentionally reach students and parents who may not know Christ? How do we better prepare students who do know Christ to intentionally disciple those who do not?

 President Newton and I invite all pastors, principals, DCE’s, early childhood directors, and interested lay leaders to attend the Missional Schools Workshop as together we explore ideas for Lutheran schools as mission outposts, discover discipleship training strategies, and get tools to build a bridge from the school into your church and community.

 We are pleased to welcome Mr. Mike Zimmer, Mission Facilitator for Schools and Commissioned Ministers for the Northern Illinois District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, who will lead the workshop. Before joining the staff in Northern Illinois, Mike served on the staff of the Minnesota South District of the LC-MS helping congregations in the area of missional formation. Mike has also served as a youth minister, as a parish administrator, and as an elementary and high school administrator. He has decades of experience coaching leaders in congregations and schools to focus on a united mission in today’s mission field.

The workshop will be held at the District Ministry Center on Friday, September 23 from 10 am to 2 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!

Dr. Rev. Robert Newton, President