God uses the adults in students’ lives to impact them in a variety of positive ways. As you consider how to reach out to teenagers at your school, it is wise to look for like-minded adults around you who can help you be more successful. In every community, a group of adults exists who care enough about their young people to get involved in the solutions to their greatest needs.
PARENTS
In most communities, parents are your greatest allies and potential resources. For just a moment, imagine what parents are facing when their sons and daughters are approaching adulthood. They are doing the best they can in raising their children. They are looking for other trusted adults to take an interest in their kids. Most parents of students today feel disconnected from how their son or daughter is really doing. When meeting parents, you need to let them know, without apology, what you and your ministry are all about.
The most important principle in working with parents is being confident. Remember the names of other involved parents and community people as you meet new parents. One name mentioned at the right time is worth a thousand attempts at describing what you do. When a parent has shown an interest in getting involved, give them something to do as soon as possible. And remember to pray for the parents!
TEACHERS AND OTHER FACULTY
Christian teachers, coaches, and administrators can be a tremendous resource in trying to reach a campus with the gospel, especially if they are well-liked and respected among the students and faculty. Many entered the field of teaching because they wanted to make an impact on the lives of young people. So, with the legal limitations, what can they do?
- They can be involved in praying for the school and students.
- They can be a loving, Christ-centered example to their students.
- They can be an official advisor for your outreach if you decide to make it an officially recognized school club.
- They can open their classroom for students to have prayer meetings.
- They can be an advocate for you and other Christian ministries on their campus.
- They can help advertise your school-approved club.
God has placed many Christian adults on and around your campus that have the same passion you have to impact the campus for Christ. Look for them, gather them, and work with them to make a difference.
Here are some ideas for mobilizing teachers to be part of ministry to teenagers.
Education Sunday
This commissioning service for students and school staff would be a great way to help the teachers and students at your church see they are Christ’s ambassadors to their campus, to help them realize they are on the same team, and to help the church see how critical the public schools are in God’s plan.
Teacher Appreciation Breakfast
Get food donated by parents or by local restaurants and have students come and serve teachers breakfast on an in-service day. Have a few students share, from up front, their appreciation for their teachers and have other students write cards of appreciation. When this event is sponsored by your Christian group, it becomes a light to those teachers who may feel underappreciated.
See You At The Pole
Encourage them to take part in it. SYATP typically happens on the third Wednesday in September. Adults are usually welcome to come and stand in the back while the students pray.
Encourage Christian Faculty to Join Christian Educators
Christian Educators (CE) is an organization that provides encouragement and guidance on being a witness in your school, and insurance comparable to NEA, with a philosophy that supports their Christian stand. Visit ChristianEducators.org for more information.
Utilize Key Times for Students to Encourage Teachers
Great opportunities for showing appreciation to teachers include:
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
- Valentine’s Day
- Easter
- National Teacher Day (usually around May 7)
- Graduation (invite teachers to Baccalaureate)
The greatest need among educators is for appreciation, so encouraging cards sent to teachers (Christian and non-Christian) will go a long way in opening them up to Christ.
Help Inform Adults on the Campus of Their Legal Rights
Many school faculty and parents have been intimidated into believing they have no rights at all as Christians on campus. Let them know they do not have to check their faith at the schoolhouse door. Share resources with them to help them understand their rights on the high school campus.
God has placed many Christian adults on and around your campus that have the same passion you have to impact the campus for Christ. Look for them, gather them, and work with them to make a difference.
