"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper and not to harm you; plans to give you a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
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Calling all students…..replacements are needed for the harvest.
As we face shortages in the teaching ministry, I would like to encourage our students to consider the teaching ministry available in Lutheran schools. I will give one short summary of my career as an example of the joys of a career in teaching.
“The road is long, the hours are many, but, ah, the blessings are so, so special”. This is how I would describe my life as a Lutheran teacher, coach, and administrator. When one begins to reminisce and reflect on a career, many memories rush to the surface. In my case, I was blessed with many opportunities to associate with great leaders who have dedicated themselves to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I only and always just wanted to coach high school basketball. And this led to teaching, which led to teaching English, which led to administration, which led to teaching at a Concordia University, which led to coaching golf and men’s basketball at the collegiate level. Serving in places like Detroit, Milwaukee, and now Kansas City is not actually seeing the world, but for a Midwest guy, it has been a joy. Along the way I started a Lutheran High school, coached hundreds of athletes, taught many more in English classes each year of my career, and served with numerous mission-minded colleagues I proudly call “friends” today.
Long story shortened here. The sun is setting, so I have approached the Board of LHSKC and set a retirement date for early in 2023. While I may remain on staff in some capacity, my role will be reduced in order for others to assume leadership of Lutheran High. I hope to be able to assist the transition of our new leader in his/her role. I have been extremely proud to serve my final ten fulltime years as Executive Director/Principal of LHS. I remain committed to the mission and vision of LHSKC as we continue to “prepare lives for today, tomorrow and eternity” for those seeking quality Christian education. I hope to be able to use my expertise to benefit schools and ministries in the future. Even as retirement looms the words of Jeremiah 29:11 comfort me “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
In the meantime, the Board has been assembling names, reviewing resumes, and interviewing qualified candidates in order to find the next leader of our school. I salute them in their efforts and the respect they have afforded me during my tenure here at LHSKC. We will keep you informed as the “Call process” delivers the next leader of our school. Stay tuned.
Finally, my proudest moments in Lutheran education are not centered around accomplishments, but rather around relationships formed, developed, and realized. One special relationship in KC has been being reunited with a student I met in 1978 in a sophomore English class. She matured and became an extremely successful business woman in Kansas City. She now proudly serves on my board here at LHS. Full circle. God is good. Want to make a difference, want to experience blessing after blessing, want to understand the meaning of being content? Try serving your Lord in the ministry of Christian education. You won’t be disappointed. God is so good and His mercies continue to endure….
But I have miles to go before I sleep. Auctions need organizing, recruits need recruiting, and student life continues at LHS, etc., etc.
“To God be the Glory!"
Dr. Stel