Seeds of Faith: How ELCA Schools Are Shaping Tomorrow's Church
The Grand Canyon Synod's Educational Ministries Flourish Through Partnership with ELEA
The future of our church walks through our school doors every day. This powerful truth resonates deeply within the Grand Canyon Synod, where educational ministry has become one of our most significant and impactful forms of outreach and community connection.
A Growing Partnership
This past May marked an exciting milestone as the Grand Canyon Synod officially joined the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association (ELEA), strengthening our commitment to Christian education across Arizona. With 20 schools and learning centers—10 as ELEA members and 10 as non-members—we're serving an estimated 1,800 students from toddler through kindergarten age.
Our ELCA schools and early learning centers represent more than auxiliary programs; they are vital lifelines connecting our church to the broader community and serving as powerful instruments of God's mission in the world. Each day, these young people experience Christian education that nurtures both their academic growth and spiritual development, extending our church's influence far beyond Sunday worship.
Stories of Hope and Growth—2 ELEA Preschools in the Grand Canyon Synod
Children of Hope Preschool at Esperanza Lutheran Church
Nestled in Ahwatukee, a suburban neighborhood of Phoenix, Esperanza Lutheran Church embodies its name—the Spanish word for hope. Their preschool, aptly called "Children of Hope," serves 36 students across three age groups: 2's, 3's, and Pre-K classes.
What makes Children of Hope special isn't just their size, but their heart. "Our community views our little place as a happy place," shares their leadership. "We are big on making our whole campus feel like a family and [we include] our church friends into events also."
The preschool maintains strong connections to its church community, with three church members on staff, including Deacon Connie Rose-Kamprath, who leads monthly chapels alongside Pastor Chris Heller. Their approach to community building extends beyond the classroom through family dinner nights at local restaurants, where both congregation and school families come together. "While we might not be huge in numbers, we are huge in love and caring for each other here at Children of Hope!"
New Covenant Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten
Since opening in 2005, New Covenant Lutheran Preschool has grown into a thriving educational community serving approximately 130 students ages 2 through kindergarten. As an ELEA member school, they exemplify the comprehensive approach to Christian early childhood education.
Operating from 7:00am to 6:00pm Monday through Friday, New Covenant maintains a secure, closed campus environment with 19 experienced teachers whose individual experience ranges from 5-25 years. Their commitment to personalized education shows in their teacher-set class ratios, ensuring they can "touch the heart and mind of every child, each day."
The school's connection to its congregation runs deep, with monthly chapels led by New Covenant’s pastor, Director of Youth and Family Ministries, or their Arts Academy Director, who’s both on the staff of the preschool and the church. New Covenant Lutheran School’s mission extends beyond education through annual community service projects, including Operation Christmas Child and monthly outreach opportunities like "Feed My Starving Children," which invite preschool families to engage alongside church members.
The Broader Impact
ELCA schools and learning centers stand as one of the most diverse ministries within our denomination. Our educational institutions welcome families from various cultural, ethnic, socioeconomic, and faith backgrounds, creating vibrant communities that reflect the breadth of God's creation. This diversity enriches the educational experience for all students while demonstrating our commitment to being a church for all people.
As we seek to "grow young" as a denomination, we must recognize that our students, their families, and caregivers are not merely recipients of our services—they are vital participants in the life of our congregations. These relationships, forged through daily educational interactions, often become the bridge that connects families to our worshiping communities.
When we view parents, grandparents, and caregivers as partners in ministry rather than outsiders to be converted, we create authentic opportunities for spiritual growth and community engagement. Many families first encounter our Lutheran tradition through our schools, and these initial connections can blossom into lifelong relationships with Christ and our church community.
Finding ELCA Schools Near You
Whether you're a parent seeking Christian early childhood education or a congregation exploring educational ministry opportunities, the ELEA School Locator serves as your gateway to discovering Lutheran schools and learning centers nationwide. This valuable resource connects families with quality Christian education options in their area while helping congregations learn from successful educational ministry models.
You can learn more about ELEA's mission through their comprehensive website at elcaschools.org. Be sure to watch their compelling "About Us" video, which beautifully captures the heart and impact of Lutheran educational ministry.
Planting Seeds for Tomorrow
Our educational ministries deserve our recognition, support, and investment. They are doing the essential work of nurturing young minds, building bridges across communities, and planting seeds of faith that will bear fruit for generations to come. As we consider the future of the ELCA, let us remember that our schools and early learning centers are not just serving our mission—they are leading it.
The ELEA is here to celebrate, support, and strengthen these vital ministries that are shaping both our communities and our faith for tomorrow. In the Grand Canyon Synod and beyond, these educational institutions continue to demonstrate that when we invest in children's growth—academically, socially, and spiritually—we invest in the future of the church itself.
To learn more about the Evangelical Lutheran Education Association and find Lutheran schools in your area, visit elcaschools.org and explore their School Locator tool.
