Teaching Church and Synod History

Abstract

In this 1981 conference paper, David Brohn outlines a comprehensive approach to teaching church and synod history across elementary grade levels in Lutheran schools. He emphasizes the importance of grounding students in the historical continuity of the Christian Church—from Old Testament figures to the Reformation and the development of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Brohn proposes age-appropriate objectives and methods, beginning with simple concepts in grades K–2 and progressing to structured curriculum in upper grades. He advocates integrating church history with Bible lessons, art, and social studies, using tools like timelines and congregational anniversaries. Brohn also addresses practical challenges such as time constraints and the lack of standardized texts, offering solutions like individualized instruction and flexible scheduling. The paper concludes with a resource list for teaching various eras of church history, encouraging educators to instill in students a deep appreciation for their spiritual heritage. —Abstract generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)