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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 275

2026 Convention Workbook
240 
THEOLOGICAL DOCUMENTS  —COMMISSION ON THEOLOGY AND CHURCH RELATIONS
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A Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education
CONCLUSION
This proposed theology and philosophy of Lutheran education derives from the 
Lutheran understanding of Holy Scripture and the doctrines that we believe, 
teach, and confess. Lutherans do not seek to be contrarians in their approach to 
education, yet these core approaches to Holy Scripture and to the doctrines taught 
by Scripture cannot help but contradict some theories of education. In many re-
spects, this is what makes Lutheran education unique. Theology is at the core of 
our faith and life together, and therefore it will impact the education we offer in 
ways that are incompatible with secular models of education that reject our theol-
ogy. What St. Paul urges the Romans should be true for Lutherans educationally: 
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your 
mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and 
acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2).
There is and can be no single, definitive “Lutheran” approach to education that 
will prescribe all acceptable forms of classroom instruction or subjects of study. 
Lutherans have used many different models of education over the centuries that 
do not contradict their confession of faith. Therefore, the ideas articulated here 
are not to be seen as binding us to a particular model of education, nor are they 
exhaustive. They do not address practical matters of pedagogy or curriculum or 
school policy. They are not intended for a particular level of Lutheran education 
(seminary, undergraduate, high school, K–8, early childhood). Nor do they advocate 
for a particular form of education (parochial school, classical school, homeschool-
ing). On the contrary, this document provides some foundational theological di-
rection on commonly asked questions which might be of use to administrators, 
teachers, parents, and students at every level and in every form of education. We 
commend this exploration of a theology and philosophy of Lutheran education 
to the educators and educational institutions of The Lutheran Church—Missouri 
Synod, that it may support them in the work they undertake, together with us all, 
of proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.
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The Lutheran Church/emdash.lnumMissouri Synod
Further Resources from the Commission on Theology and Church 
Relations (CTCR) of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
A Chaste and Decent Life: An Update to Human Sexuality 1981; 2023
Creation in Biblical Perspective; 1970
In Christ All Things Hold Together: The Intersection of Science and 
Christian Theology; 2015
The Ministry: Offices, Procedures, and Nomenclature; 1981
Render unto Caesar . . . and unto God: A Lutheran View of Church and 
State; 1995
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A Theology and Philosophy of Lutheran Education
To Articulate Theology 
and Philosophy of Lutheran Education
RESOLUTION 5-10
Reports R1, R1.2.1, R14 (CW, 1–3, 14, 64–69)
W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, Our Lutheran schools at every level face constant challenges in a 
world of competing philosophies; and
W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, Our Synod would benefit from a clearly articulated theology and 
philosophy of Lutheran education that considers sound principles from the doc-
trine of justification, biblical creation, first article gifts, right and left kingdom per-
spectives, and Lutheran anthropology, to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of 
various educational philosophies; and
W/h.smallcap/e.smallcap/r.smallcap/e.smallcap/a.smallcap/s.smallcap, A clear, concise, and readable theology and philosophy of Lutheran 
education could help guide our workers, lay leaders, and families from preschool, 
grade school, high school, and secondary education as they make curriculum, dis-
cipline, and other decisions on a daily basis; therefore be it
Resolved, That the Commission on Theology and Church Relations—in con-
sultation with representatives from Concordia University System universities, 
Synod education executives, and others—develop principles of Lutheran educa-
tion rooted in Lutheran doctrine; and be it further
Resolved, That a pamphlet be produced for written and electronic distribution 
to help guide congregations, schools, workers, and parents in the task of faithfully 
leading students in their education.
2023 Convention Proceedings
Page 155