Giving thanks for our teachers

(LCMS/Erik M. Lunsford)

In October 2024, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) announced plans for a yearlong emphasis on church worker appreciation, highlighting the blessings the church receives through all of its workers, both pastors and others.

This month, LCMS congregations and schools are invited to celebrate and give thanks for teachers. Commissioned Lutheran teachers are one of the seven auxiliary offices that support the work of the Holy Ministry — by assisting in teaching God’s Word and by teaching many other subjects in a way that is faithful to that Word.

Dr. Alan Freeman, director of LCMS School Ministry, noted that a teacher’s work “goes beyond teaching; our teachers are shaping young hearts with faith and wisdom. It is not an easy job, and their work is not often publicly recognized. … May God strengthen and uplift them in their calling. As we hear in Galatians 6:9, ‘And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.’”

In May, consider letting those who teach — commissioned or non-commissioned, part-time or full-time, paid or volunteer — know how much you value their contribution to your church and/or school community. Pray for your teachers, share a word or written note of appreciation, bake their favorite treat, or post a social media shareable that highlights their service. Find more ideas here.

Thank you to all of our teachers!

Posted May 5, 2025