Why Youth Ministries Must Be Advocates In Their Local Schools

There is no greater mission field than the local school campus.

That statement didn’t surprise you, did it?

How about this statement:

Most student pastors have a hidden agenda when serving in local schools.

If I were a betting man I would venture to say that the school already knows your hidden agenda!

(BTW: Southern Baptists only gamble during college football games and on cruises. International waters make allowances for many activities deacons find unacceptable.)

Here is the hidden agenda:

Student pastors are guilty of viewing schools as a feeder program.

Our “partnership” tends to look like a one-way street. The church is rarely a true advocate to local schools because churches are selfishly trying to increase their numbers instead of impact the community.

Advocacy goes far beyond awareness. We are all aware of the needs surrounding our schools and teens, but how many of us have locked arms in an effort to impact our students both spiritually and socially?

Being an advocate to the local schools involves more than a student pastor being a chaplain for the football team – it requires volunteers, teachers, and parents investing time and energy in the school campus.

Being an advocate communicates that your church is invested for the long-haul instead of visiting lunches a few weeks before your large church event.

If you are a student worker who is trying to cast the vision to be an advocate in the schools, here are three reasons why youth ministries must be advocates in their local schools.

Why Youth Ministries Must Be Advocates In Local Schools 

Schools are the hub of culture

Do you wish to see the ups, downs, needs, and values of your community? Heading to a high school will give you a thumb on the pulse of your community’s culture. Communities are centered around the activities and life of their schools. This is the natural hub of your neighborhood. The local school campuses directly represent the demographics of your area. 

Schools are in need

From physical needs of specifics families to the spiritual needs of the community — local schools represent the needs that exist in your area. Teachers are continually looking for individuals and organizations to meet their students’ needs. To be an advocate of your school is to quickly identify and meet needs in the community.  

Faculty desire to enrich the community

The teachers and admin have the similar calling as you do! They want to invest into the community. Teachers gave up money and fame to spend more time with students and parents. Why? They want to make an impact. Sure, some of the teachers in your school are not Christians, but you can be a flame of encouragement and an advocate as you partner together to transform your community.

Now What?

Which church members and parents are involved in the schools surrounding your church?

How can you cast vision and activate them to become advocates for the school and for the expansion of the Kingdom of God?