Evangelicals Now
<< September 2001 >>

Monthly column for youth leaders

A strategy for schoolswork

The pioneering mountaineer, Mallory, was once asked why he wanted to climb Mount Everest. He replied simply: 'Because it is there'.

One of the main reasons we should be taking the gospel into schools is because we still can. We should make the most of this opportunity. If we follow suit with the Americans, as so often, the freedom might not be there forever.

A responsibility

In schools we find a ready harvest field. Where else do you have a captive audience of hundreds? Where else are ideas and worldviews put on display for all to see? Schools are an exciting market place for ideas, and the gospel needs to be on the agenda. However, for these reasons we have to be tolerant of others who want to explain their views. As Christians we go into schools armed with the truth, knowing God's word will do its work.

Surely then we have a responsibility to take the gospel into schools, because if we do not, then think of whose ideas young people will follow. The Bible calls us to engage other worldviews (2 Corinthians 10.4-5) and to be ready ambassadors of Christ (2 Corinthians 5.20). It would be a shame for Christianity to be ruled out of the debate by our own laziness.

Perhaps you are already feeling uncomfortable. Schools can be scary, hostile places. Not all of us have the skills we perceive as necessary. When we talk of getting the Bible out, our knees turn to jelly. As well as putting on our Christian label, must we put people's backs up by spouting Scripture? Do please read on. The Bible needs to be taught in schools.

It's easy to see why the Bible has to have a central role in our church youth work. But what about teaching the Bible in school. Gasp! Shock! Horror! We mustn't do that because of political correctness and maintaining good relationships with the school. Certainly we need to be very careful about the way we put together and deliver talks in schools. There are many stories of schools that have had bad experiences with over-zealous speakers. But I believe strongly in teaching the Bible to young people in school as well as out. I think that it is possible to preach the Bible in schools, not compromise what we say and not upset the schools.

The Bible in schools work?

Firstly we must not balk at using the Bible. This is often the biggest mistake made by Christians in schools. We go for presentational style and slickness and see the Bible as getting in the way of our message, but the Bible speaks with much more authority than we ever can. It is permissible in schools to state what the Bible says as a means of conveying Christian truths.

Secondly we must handle the Bible correctly. Single verses work well to sum up assembly ideas, but we must make sure they are not taken out of context. Simply using proof texts for moral and ethical arguments does not sit comfortably. Instead the Bible should be used to set the agenda. People will soon see that it has much to say on modern issues.

It is important to keep reminding people that it is the Bible speaking, or that we are explaining Christian truth. This is then open to be accepted or rejected by the listeners. Hopefully a dialogue will ensue. Staff tend to get edgy when anyone comes in and starts to lambast other worldviews without question or reason.

What are my options?

Firstly remember that every little bit counts. You don't have to be a full-time professional to work in schools. It is a myth that schools work can only be done by schools workers. Whatever you can offer to the school or to the church is good. Even if you don't think that you're up to contact with young people, you can still be involved in schools work. Like all ministries, schools work is built on prayer. Is regular prayer going on for your local schools?

The next question to ask is what you can offer. Schools generally welcome with open arms anyone who is willing to spend a little time doing almost anything. What skills or interests have you? It is great to be seen around the school, legitimately, in different contexts. This is what puts you on the map and gets young people asking questions.

Three things

There are broadly three things to do in schools: assemblies, RE lessons and Christian groups. Schools may be suspicious if you jump in with all guns blazing, but they welcome people who are willing to explain what their faith means to them, or to explain Christian ideas.

Do talk with others about a strategy.

Do be open with the school about your willingness and commitment.

Do remember that the small things count. An isolated visit to an RE lesson might lead to an after school club later on.

I hope you now feel less uncomfortable and more enthusiastic. The challenge is to get out there and make sure everyone has a chance to hear the gospel.

Next month we will continue this theme with a closer look at assemblies.

Roger Fawcett