High school is a formative time for students. It is a time when young adults lay the foundations for academics, develop their values and discover their passions. For Lutheran schools, in addition to academics, it is also a time for students to grow spiritually, emotionally and socially, while fostering a deeper relationship with Christ. Among the many areas of study that can enrich students’ lives, one that can deeply impact young people is the area of fine arts.
Incorporating the fine arts into the curriculum of our schools offers a multitude of benefits. The fine arts - including visual, media, theatrical, instrumental, and choral - provide students with opportunities for personal growth, spiritual development and a deeper understanding of God’s creation.
To list all the potential benefits of involvement in the fine arts would take much more space than this blog allows, but allow me to identify five of the advantages of students’ involvement in these programs.
The fine arts allow students to:
- Cultivate Creativity and Critical Thinking: Students learn to express their ideas and emotions through various forms of the arts.
- Foster Emotional and Spiritual Growth: The arts allow students to process and express complex emotions in a healthy and constructive way. Through the arts, students can explore themes of faith, hope, redemption and love.
- Build Community and Collaboration: Particularly in the performing arts, students work together toward a common goal, building teamwork, communication and a sense of community.
- Promote Discipline and Perseverance: Students learn that achievement is not always immediate but requires time, practice, and commitment. These align with our Chirtian understanding of stewardship - using our time, talent and resources to honor God.
- Provide Opportunities for Evangelism and Service: Through performances, exhibitions and creative works, students can communicate messages of hope, love and faith to the larger community.
The fine arts are more than just an enrichment activity; they are an essential part of a well-rounded education that prepares high school students in Lutheran schools to live fully in Christ. By fostering creativity, emotional and spiritual growth, collaboration, discipline and a deep appreciation for God’s creation, the arts help students grow into thoughtful, compassionate and faithful individuals.
Let’s keep the arts strong in our Lutheran schools! Our students need these opportunities!