Every local church has a nearby local school. Every local school needs community partners. There is a natural community connection between local schools and churches. Back to school season gives opportunity to seek and strengthen those relationships.
Get Involved
Pray
God’s indwelling spirit equips believers with power, love, and self-control over a spirit of fear. (1 Timothy)
New norms and many unknowns characterize this upcoming school year. Ask God for His power to defeat fear, love others, and practice self-control amid challenging circumstances. Pray for parents, children, and school leaders.
A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him. (Matthew 12)
Whether in the home, private, or public school, ask that the spirit of God which produces goodness, stir believers to walk in goodness among their school communities and relationships so that God may be praised.
Download this PowerPoint slide to use to pray over the back to school season.
In Your Community:
How can your church, small group or family bless your local school?
This season is unique due to COVID-19. A phone call can go a long way. Call your local school and ask how to connect and serve. Perhaps the school needs supplies for new cleaning protocols or help with a general supply drive. Be sure to follow all community health guidelines as you interact with the public.
In the SBCV:
God is working through SBCV churches serving their local schools. Through building school relationships, many churches have been able to start after school bible clubs. Take a moment and read this proclaimer article on the impact Good News Bible Clubs are making across Virginia.
Additional Resources:
Literacy is an area of need in every school. Illiteracy is an underlying factor in poverty and crime. Literacy matters. Schools benefit from volunteers working with students on basic sight word identification and memorization. Send Relief has developed the program Arise2Read as an entryway to literacy volunteerism. As your church develops local school partnerships, literacy coaching is an excellent way to serve students and the school community. Download this guide on Arise2Read literacy ministry.
