“They (the public school system) don’t want us in the schools!” was the angry response that came from one of the seminar participants. It was an awkward moment to say the least, but I had to address the challenge before a debate between public, private and home-school parents erupted.

“Yes they do--you just have to go about it the right way!” was my response. I followed up with a discussion on many of the items discussed below. I acknowledge that some school systems in our country are more difficult than others to navigate. Even so, I am convinced that our students attending public, private or a coalition of home schools need to see the adults of their faith communities in these arenas. You just have to go about it the right way.

What is your agenda?

Youth workers should begin by examining their motives for getting into their surrounding school system(s). I hope all of us can agree (another discussion for a different YW issue) that we cannot wait for teenagers to appear magically via their believing friends in our youth rooms, a let-them-come-to-us strategy. I know this happens with great success in some areas of the country. However, today’s postmodern climate is continuing to push faith communities to the margins. As a result, adults need to leave the margins and find ways to interact with students in the areas where they live, a let’s-go-to-them strategy. Schools offer a great place to come in contact with teenagers. That contact can be positive or damaging depending on the agenda you carry into the schools you are visiting.

Mars Hill,  not Pentecost: Let me say clearly that in-your-face, tract-giving, Bible-thumping, don’t-go-to-hell evangelism is not a good agenda to carry into the public school arena. As a matter of fact, I do not think most private and home-school coalitions would appreciate such agendas on their campuses either. This type of behavior has caused problems in many of our school systems and has done nothing more than close the door of opportunity for other youth workers! Before getting angry and starting on the “they took prayer out of schools” rant, know that I am not advocating a surrender of our Christian convictions at the school door. On the contrary, we should engage our Christian convictions through service to others. (Sound familiar? Read 1 Pet. 2:11-12).

Salt and light, not Mount Carmel: Partners, Programs and Presence--these three words represent a positive “3P” agenda youth workers can carry into their surrounding school system(s) and use to keep their motives positive and accountable to a watching world.

     Partner: View and speak of your role as a partner to educators.