Philosophy of Christian Education

Zion-Concord Lutheran School is a ministry of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Bensenville to preserve and extend the kingdom of God through an educational ministry. Zion-Concord Lutheran School assists families to meet their parental responsibilities and challenges.

Zion-Concord's most important role is to proclaim the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that through the Holy Spirit, this proclamation changes hearts and lives of those who are unconditionally declared righteous for Christ's sake.

Christian education is applying God's Law and Gospel to every aspect of life and learning. We agree with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, which stated that "the most effective education agencies available to the church for equipping children and youth for ministry are the full-time Lutheran elementary (including preschool) and secondary schools." (1983 Convention Proceedings, Res. 2-17)

Zion-Concord Lutheran School represents a significant portion of the congregation’s efforts to fulfill each of the five functions of Lutheran congregations:

 

Education

EDUCATION in all subjects prepares children to serve God and people throughout their lives. The Holy Spirit nurtures children's faith through God's Word. Unchurched children are accepted and taught God's Word so that the Holy Spirit can work faith in their hearts. Zion-Concord Lutheran School teaches Lutheran Christian doctrine as proclaimed by The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Children are taught using a Law and Gospel approach. They learn the demands of God's law and are comforted by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Students are encouraged and prepared to serve Christ and other people. Utilizing God's blessings, students and teachers endeavor to achieve excellence through use of current learning and teaching materials. Children are trained to become responsible stewards of their God-given gifts and accomplishments.

 

Worship

Worship is a regular occurrence both in the classrooms as well as in other corporate settings. But worship is not limited to these occasions. Children grow through spontaneous worship experiences and learn to pray as opportunities and needs arise. Teachers model the Christian life by leading worship exercises and by active participation in congregational worship. This also includes weekly chapel services with the whole school.

 

Evangelism

Evangelism, witnessing, and testifying of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is part of student and staff life. Through staff modeling and instruction, students give witness of Christ's love to each other, to the congregations, and to the communities. Children of unchurched families may doubly benefit as the student is brought to faith and then witnesses to his or her family.

 

Fellowship

Fellowship is another experience for the school community. As members of the body of Christ, students and staff accept, play, support, encourage, and witness to one another. Each individual is respected as unique and assisted to achieve his/her full potential. Each is recognized as a forgiven and saved member of God's family. Therefore, each member of the Zion-Concord family strives to create an environment of love and joy.

 

Service

Service is a natural outgrowth of Christian education. Children are prepared to respond to God's love as they interact with each other, their communities, and the world.