The Genesis Project helps LCMS congregations start Lutheran schools, which include early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school programs.

The Genesis Project is a service of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, District & Congregational Services—School Ministry. The project is staffed by trained consultants with experience in Lutheran school administration. Terry Schmidt is the Project Director and Jan Schroeder is the administrative assistant.

1. LCMS congregations continue to seek assistance in their quest to start Lutheran schools. It is essential that those people in synodical and district leadership positions remain committed to providing support and assistance in this area.
1. District and Congregational Services - School Ministry is committed to maintaining a process that will help Lutheran congregations determine the feasibility of beginning Lutheran schools.
2. District and Congregational Services - School Ministry maintains a partnership with LCMS districts to conduct school feasibility processes with district congregations.
3. Throughout the Genesis process there is an expectation of a high level of involvement by the District Education Executive and the sharing of information between the District Executive and the Genesis consultant. Trained consultants provide services of time, expertise and objective judgments that might not otherwise be available in the district.
4. Synod and district officials promote the Genesis process as a valuable and credible resource to congregations.


2. A group of trained, and experienced consultants are available and ready to help congregations with school feasibility studies. Some have special expertise for congregations considering specific types of schools (e.g. associations of congregations, early childhood centers, elementary schools, high schools, classical education schools).



3. Congregations will be required to bear all costs associated with Genesis consultations. Congregation costs include:
1. Application fee and use of synod's materials and resources ($500 paid directly to LCMS.
2. Demographic study ($300 - $500 contracted and paid independently to the group conducting the study).


3. Daily fee for consultant ($300 per day paid directly to the consultant).
4. Reimbursement associated with travel, room and board (paid directly to the consultant).
5. Honorarium to the school (when applicable) that supplies the Genesis consultant. ($100 per day). This fee is not required for our retired consultants.
6. Congregations are encouraged to seek financial assistance to support a Genesis feasibility study from:
1. LCMS districts
2. Mission Societies
3. LWML
4. Foundations
5. Thrivent Chapters
6. Individual Benefactors


4. As a result of its financial commitment, the congregation can expect to receive the following services in a Genesis feasibility consultation:
1. Access to all Genesis resources and materials.
2. The appointment of a well-trained, experienced Genesis consultant who will pray for, guide and work with the school throughout the process.
3. A thorough study including demographic analysis, surveys, interviews and meetings with focus groups.
4. Two diagnostic visits, lasting 2-3 days, conducted by the assigned consultant.
5. Two written reports prepared by the consultant.
Report #1 shares survey results from an initial visit and the implications. Report #2 shares survey results from a second visit, the professional opinion of the consultant, recommendations and an Action Plan (if the recommendation is to proceed).
6. A final visit to the school that shares a summary of Report #2 and provides guidance and suggestions about how the congregation(s) should proceed.


5. A well-defined ministry plan improves the probability of success for a new Lutheran school. Some Genesis consultants have specific training and experience in helping congregations develop and implement ministry plans. This planning goes beyond the scope of the Genesis feasibility study, but is available for schools at additional cost at the conclusion of a feasibility study. Arrangements can be made for a consultant to work with a school to develop a business plan for a ministry plan.



6. To obtain a Genesis Project School Readiness Study Application Packet, contact your LCMS district education executive. If your LCMS district does not have an education executive, ask your district president how you may obtain an application.

1. Strengthen the congregation
2. Nurture the children's faith
3. Help parents fulfill their role as Christian parents
4. Strengthen their communities
5. Provide a safe, caring place for children
6. Help children see all of their lives from the perspective of God's Word
7. Demonstrate the high value the congregation places on children
8. Enhance the public relations of the congregation
9. Seek out the lost
10. Fulfill the congregation's responsibility for the Christian education of its children Applications for Genesis services may be obtained from your regional LCMS District office.

Click here to contact Terry Schmidt, Project Director
Click here to contact Janice Schroeder, Administrative Assistant