CONVENE
Calling People Together towards a common vision
CONVENE
Philippians 2:1-2
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from
his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in
spirit and purpose.
The history of Lutheran schools in America traces back to the founding colonies. Saxon schools (Lutheran) began to appear in the late 1600s in colonial America and often the schoolhouse was the place of Sunday worship.
We continue in that rich tradition as we seek to strengthen our community of 16 schools that are part of The Koina Center. In fact, Trinity Lutheran School in Conklin is the longest operating school, started in 1869.
In addition to a wonderful history, Lutheran schools are academically some of the highest in the nation. The Nation’s Report Card from National Assessment of Educational Progress shows the achievement of our students compared to other schools including other Christian and public schools. (We encourage you to review this report card at the web address below.)
In an effort to continue the excellent education started in our elementary schools, West Michigan Lutheran High School (WMLHS) was started in 2004. As the leadership began to plan to build a permanent facility, it became very apparent there were many competing needs in the Lutheran School community. In order to advance the cause of all the schools, the high school embarked on a process to determine readiness for a new approach to advancing Lutheran schools. Therefore, the leadership of WMLHS believed a separate entity should be created to take on this challenge and great opportunity. As a board, they acted to sponsor and financially support a new organization and a new approach to growth. Out of that vision The Koina Center was created.
The Koina Center, 501(c)(3) recognized, convened in 2008 with a grant from Church Extension Fund and many volunteer hours. The Koina Center is now self-supported through grants and individual donations. This has brought people from many congregations with many different talents together for the common goal of
Advancing Lutheran Schools in West Michigan.
