“Let the little children come to Me;
and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” – Mark 10:14
Our goal is the salvation of all. Children also need salvation (Psalm 51:5). So we are serious about teaching them to observe all that Christ has commanded (Matthew 28:20). In addition to the Divine Service, below are some of the ways we teach the Christian Faith to the children. It is our prayer that Christian instruction and piety, established early on in life, will continue throughout their lives.
Sunday School
Every Sunday morning from 11:00am to 12:00pm the children of Living Word gather in their respective classrooms to learn the basic Bible stories at an age appropriate level and to create a craft project based on the lesson. These stories strengthen their faith, deepen their knowledge of salvation history, and also serve as important step into youth catechesis.
Acolytes
The boys at Living Word serve in the Divine Service as acolytes. Most begin at age eight and continue serving throughout their teens. They light and extinguish candles, participate in the processions as thurifers, crucifers, and torchbearers, and carry out other duties as needed. They are trained to carry themselves with reverence and dignity. Though young, they are silent leaders in the congregation’s reverent and dignified worship. Our goal is that they grow into leaders in the parish and at home. By serving with the pastor, we pray that these young men may consider studying for the Office of the Holy Ministry and serving God’s people as His pastors.
Singing
The Lutheran Church was known as “the singing church.” We sing to praise God and we praise God by confessing Him rightly. The hymns of Lutheranism drink from the depths of Scripture, yet are accessible to even the youngest. Once a month, the children sing a Lutheran hymn or stanza in the Divine Service. By it, they learn doctrine, praise our Lord, and serve the congregation.
Youth Catechesis
This weekly instruction in the basic truths of Scripture, as laid out by Dr. Luther in his Small Catechism, prepares the children to be accepted as confirmed members of the congregation. The goal is to firmly ground in the clear and simple teachings of Scripture so they may rightly confess their faith, live their faith, and recognize errors. Instruction begins in the 2nd grade.
- 2nd, 3rd graders cover the entire Catechism in two years.
- 4th, 5th graders learn the Catechism through Bible history.
- 6th graders review the entire Catechism in one year.
- 7th, 8th graders use the Catechism to understand society, culture, and heresies that have arisen in the church. They also study church history, Luther’s Large Catechism, and selected parts of the Book of Concord.
Parents play a major role. They’re expected to study with their child and listen to the memorization. The goal is to nurture the parent child relationship with the Word of God. Listen together. Pray together. Learn together.
Chief Parts of Christian Teaching
