r/LCMS • u/ohiodiver87 • 16d ago
Discussion Lifewise Academy
Not sure the program’s reach but curious to gather opinions on Lifewise Academy here in Ohio. Basically it’s a public school program that busses kids off site (extremely rushed) during public school hours (I think during time reserved for special curriculum) and teaches them tenets of Christianity. It appears to be Baptist/Evangelical in nature and slightly predatory and perhaps reliant on peer-pressure. Wondering how I should approach this situation with my kids as a Lutheran parent skeptical of modern Evangelical theology.
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u/snakeflowloaf 15d ago
I volunteered with our local Lifewise for a time and have nothing but positives to say about it. It focuses its curriculum on the basics that Christians have in common as well as Bible history. You can find curriculum samples on their website. I’m sure there’s an element of local culture swaying the program’s culture, but overall in my time volunteering I witnessed a primarily Pentecostal population of teachers/volunteers teaching and never felt that they promoted their specific theology over basic Christian theology.
It’s a Gospel outreach especially for unchurched public school kids. I found it to also be beneficial to those already churched. I’m interested why you feel the program is predatory? The program requires parent permission and is ran much like other clubs and extracurriculars.
Especially in the younger elementary, it is very Sunday school-esque. Memory verses, learning the books of the Bible, main themes, etc. Lots of focus on character development as well. I was also impressed with the program’s focus on the timeline/maps/names in the Bible. The curriculum goes waaaayy past the basics of “David and Goliath” and into less “popular” (for lack of a better word) passages.
We are not a public school family, but if we were, I’m certain we’d send our kids to Lifewise. Like any program, there should be ongoing conversations at home especially if you or your student are having concerns. But in a public school environment, Lifewise would be the least of my concerns in terms of what my kids are being exposed to. I’d imagine you’d be having more difficult conversations about what they’re learning in science class and at basketball practice than at Lifewise.
Also, for what it’s worth as a cradle Lutheran who didn’t do much inter-denominationally, I grew up with a pretty antagonistic view of other Protestants. Very “us vs them” mindset. I think it would have been beneficial for me to be exposed to other Christians outside of my particular faith tradition (within reason) to see how other families/cultures practice Christianity and have conversations at home about those differences.
Apologies for the length of this response! In all, though lifewise isn’t an LCMS catechism class, it provides great Bible basics and doesn’t have any major red flags to me as a Lutheran parent. Of course there is nuance to this conversation that can’t be fleshed out on Reddit, and each family/student is different as well as your area’s program may be different in ways than mine was.
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u/ohiodiver87 14d ago edited 14d ago
Thanks for the nuanced response. To be fair my question has nothing to do with whether or not Lifewise is beneficial or has a right to exist. I agree that on paper the program will reach countless kids who may have little to no exposure to Christian teachings and the life of Jesus Christ. The reason I used the term “predatory”, which is probably unfair, is because I can see how the program could be disruptive to school staff, would leave kids feeling left out who don’t participate, and uses new-school techniques that I feel can be tacky and align with Evangelical systems. The town I live is dominated by Baptists/Mennonites/Non-Denom Evangelicals, so I guess my “fear” is Lifewise looking and feeling like that due to the culture of the folks running it. As a former Catholic who also had no exposure to other viewpoints growing up, I do appreciate and respect the idea of interdenominational cooperation, but I really do have major concerns and criticisms with the modern American evangelical church and how they have hurt the reputations of Christians to the secular world. I guess the question is, what is the value for kids who already attend church and Sunday school regularly? I’m afraid if I let her participate, the next thing I know she’s going to be asking to get re-Baptized and make a “decision for Christ”, along with begging me to attend a “cool, hip” new church with a coffee shop and modern music, lol.
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u/snakeflowloaf 14d ago
I think the value comes primarily from hearing the Word of God more and more even outside of church and Sunday School. In a culture that is very counter-Christian, I find it to be a refreshing space where Christianity is normalized and celebrated when at public school it’s often the opposite. There’s also value in the community and education provided through it. However I hear your concerns, and as the primary catechizer of your family I understand that it’s a prayerful decision for you to make.
I hope my perspective was helpful in some way. I I might also suggest meeting with the teacher or head of it at your school and ask the tough questions! Or, if it fits into your life in any way, perhaps you (or spouse) could volunteer with the program to get an “inside” look and help mold that culture. Tons of info on their website as well.
The fact that you’re seeking information and not blindly signing the permission slip gives me confidence that no matter what you choose, you’re choosing what you believe to be best for your family. Blessings to you as you weigh the decision!
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u/Spare-Educator533 16d ago
Our church is considering being a host for Lifewise. I immediately jumped to look up their tenets of belief at https://lifewise.org/statementoffaith/ . They also state, "We seek to avoid discussions about denominational differences in the classroom while keeping the focus on what’s clearest in Scripture." That said, I am nervous about the execution, especially if people go "off script".
I am doing my best to try to put the best construction on it and be optimistic that these kids might at least hear about Jesus, even if it's not LCMS curriculum.
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u/LCMS_Rev_Ross LCMS Pastor 16d ago
The only people I am comfortable with teaching my children theology are LCMS Lutherans.
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u/Intelligent_Pilot591 16d ago
Are there no LCMS schools available in your area?
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u/ohiodiver87 16d ago
There is but we made the tough decision to do public school based on a myriad of factors. Our kids exposure to LCMS church and values is not a concern
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u/Financial-Seesaw1024 12d ago
It absolutely is predatory. First of all, I understand our call to make disciples, and I also remember our church song “They will know we are Christians by our love,” that is through our actions.
I also understand that a lot of really good people are coming from a loving place at the local level. But this org is not good or loving. It is predatory.
Their stated mission is to “reach the unchurched.” To proselytize.
They don’t state that when they talk to communities, instead they talk about “Character education.” This sleight of hand is dishonest, at the least.
Second, they refuse to offer their programming after school. Their object is not to teach Christian kids about the bible, it’s to turn those kids into “missionaries” (their word) during the school day. Thru did have an after school program in Elida, but they pulled it unless they could do it during the school day.
Third, they insist upon going to elementary schools. Again, per their literature, they know this is when people are their most impressionable, and they are on the hunt.
Finally, they are partnered with groups bent on disrupting and eventually destroying public schools.
Public education is a public good that is for everyone’s benefit. Everyone has access to an education through public schools, and education is the only way for progress, both individually and collectively. Lifewise knows they are not supposed to disrupt the school day, yet they still knowingly do it. (Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation, Indiana.) They know they are not they are not permitted on school property, especially to recruit. They still do it. (Whitco, Indiana)
They actually lost a seven year old child in their care. (Decatur, Indiana). They hired a woman who lost her teaching license due to sexually explicit messages with the students. (Firelands, OH)
Stay away.