When Tammy Thorson was having her granddaughter, Aurora, baptized, she wanted a godly godparent for her. Since Thorson’s family had just joined St. Paul, Tomah, Wis., and was new to WELS, Thorson asked June (Waege) Keller to fill the role. Keller isn’t related to Aurora by blood. Their relationship? That of teacher and student. Keller was Aurora’s preschool teacher at St. Paul and taught Aurora about Jesus, a message Aurora carried home to her grandparents. “June’s love for God is so evident,” says Thorson. “She stirs up [her students’] little hearts for God.”

Keller, preschool director and 4K teacher, says St. Paul’s preschool doesn’t simply prepare children for kindergarten. Most important are the spiritual lessons learned: “We exist to assist parents to teach their children about Jesus, and the children are encouraged to take Jesus home to their parents.”

Mark Kahrs, pastor at St. Paul, agrees that the purpose of the congregation’s preschool and grade school is bigger than just to educate. “This is a ministry,” he says. “We want students to grow in their faith. We want to encourage not just them but their families as souls that are important to God.”

It’s that bridge between school and church—with a clear understanding of their shared mission—that has facilitated an intentional plan where both work hand-in-hand to nurture entire families in their faith.

Since many of her preschoolers don’t have a church background, Keller stresses the importance of Baptism and faith early in the school year, surveying parents about their religious background and interest. If parents wish to learn more about the congregation or having their child baptized, one of the pastors invites them to a “Baptism 101” class, laying the groundwork for that important first step.

When one of her preschoolers is baptized, Keller records it on video, which she then shares with her class so students can celebrate their classmate becoming part of God’s family. Says Keller: “They see their friends getting baptized, and they are so excited about it.”

Kahrs makes it clear to families that Baptism is only the first step. “We want you to continue to grow,” he tells them. “Let’s continue to hear about Jesus and what he’s done.” Preschool nonmember families are invited to take the congregation’s Bible Basics class to learn more about what their children are being taught in the classroom.

Through this plan, the Holy Spirit has blessed church and school efforts. Since 2019, more than 26 parents have become confirmed members and more than 30 individuals have been baptized at St. Paul. Many of them are Keller’s preschoolers, but they also include siblings, parents, grandparents, and other relatives.

Keller knows that the seeds planted in preschool can bear eternal fruit. “My biggest prayer,” she says, “is that all of these little souls will stay in their faith their entire life and be in heaven someday.”

Thorson is now a teacher’s aide in the very preschool that had such an impact on the faith of her granddaughter. “I am so excited about the growth of our preschool and how it rolls right into church growth with new families,” she says. “God’s kingdom is growing!”

Telling the next generation

In 2018, members of St. Paul participated in Telling the Next Generation, a daylong workshop from WELS that helps congregation and school leaders develop an organized program to connect school families with the Word. June Keller, preschool director at St. Paul, remembers, “One of the biggest things that they impressed upon us is that you need a bridge between the church and school and that pastors and teachers need to work together.”

“It’s about people building relationships with people and telling them about Jesus. The Lord continues to provide countless opportunities to share God’s love and grace for them,” says Cindi Holman, early childhood ministry national coordinator. “One Savior. One mission. One soul at a time.”

Learn more about Telling the Next Generation at wels.net/tellingthenextgeneration.

Author: FIC
Volume 111, Number 10
Issue: October 2024