A new school year begins soon. What an opportune time for a church to encourage students and teachers. Need fresh ideas?
Pray for students and teachers. An adult Bible class can adopt a youth class to pray for them by name. During worship, a pastor could invite students to kneel at the altar as he or the youth minister prays for them. Or he could invite teachers and school staff (elementary, secondary, college, home school) to stand, then pray and challenge the entire church to pray for them faithfully. After taking children to school the first day, moms can gather for coffee, fellowship and prayer for the kids and teachers.
DavisMake it easy for kids to invite friends to church. Print a bookmark-size schedule of weekly and special fall events for kids at your church. Order book covers or pencils with Scripture, youth schedule or website. Our church teens redecorate their Sunday School classrooms annually, painting murals and Scripture art. Plan a back-to-school party or Christian concert. Work hard to provide relevant, top-quality Bible classes and activities for kids.
Adopt a school. Your church or adult Bible class could intentionally help a nearby school. Visit the principal to offer assistance, such as mentoring, office help, reading, crossing guards, scholarship application aid or providing clothes for a child in need. Send encouraging prayer notes to the principal. Deliver a huge basket of snacks for the teacher’s break room with a note from your church. Be flexible, and joyfully show God’s love as you respond to requests.
Prepare for guests. In Sunday’s bulletin, print names of children’s and youth Bible teachers, choir leaders, missions teachers, and so on. Church members can pray for them, and guests will see your commitment to disciple kids. Since families often relocate during summer, purchase a newcomer list for your town, and deliver church invitations before school begins.
As our children, youth and teachers return to school as ambassadors for Christ, will you assure them of your church’s love and prayers?
“I pray for you constantly” (Ephesians 1:16b)
– Davis is an author, columnist, speaker, and wife of Indiana Baptist Convention’s executive director. Read more at www.keeponshining.com.