In the United States alone, there are more than 24 million students between seventh and twelfth grades. Housing those students are more than 68,000 schools. That’s 68,000 individual mission fields and 68,000 opportunities to serve.

Students and teachers returning to the classrooms include unreached people from across the community. Churches can make a difference in their lives by investing in their schools. It doesn’t have to be complicated.

The Assemblies of God’s national Youth Ministries initiative, Our Schools Matter, helps church’s build bridges to the community through serving local schools. The following seven principles will equip and empower churches to do just that.

1. Begin a conversation. Every good relationship starts with a conversation. Initiating an open-ended dialogue with administrators is a good first step toward serving your schools. Take the time to discover what needs your schools actually have, rather than assuming you know them all.

2. Cultivate a servant attitude. Don’t come into a relationship with preconceived notions and plans. Be willing to fill gaps and serve the needs you encounter.

Consider investing in “serve” shirts to wear during events. These shirts not only display a sense unity and togetherness in serving, but they can also spread the Christian message of compassion and servanthood beyond the activity.

Don’t come into a relationship with preconceived notions and plans. Be willing to fill gaps and serve the needs you encounter.

3. Remain patient and transparent. Give the process time. The initial conversation may extend beyond one meeting. Be open and honest. If the school needs something the church can’t provide on its own, say so. Avoid an overpromise and under-deliver situation, and consider partnering with other churches to accomplish big goals.

4. Serve without expectation. Giving with an ulterior motive can be a significant turnoff for an administrator.

5. Build trust. Be sensitive to administrators’ concerns over proselytizing, or attempting to convert someone from one religion, belief or opinion to another. Schools have a responsibility to protect students and avoid litigation. Be careful not to burn bridges with the community — for you and other churches — by pushing for conversions while serving.

6. Empower your congregation. Delegate school projects to lay leaders who are passionate about the next generation. Empowering ordinary churchgoers who have a heart for schools can produce extraordinary results.

7. Be consistent, and be present. Don’t stop at one event. The act of caring for your schools should extend beyond a single gesture. Actively participate in the local school culture. Be present at athletic games and other public extracurricular events.

Consider volunteering at school functions throughout the year, or even offering your facilities for student activities and clubs — whatever it takes.

Being consistent and present builds trust and reveals that your church wants to invest beyond a volunteering photo op. An authentic, sustained and caring relationship demonstrates the compassionate heart of Jesus to the school and community.  

Serving the school is an ideal way for the church to build a bridge to the community. Anything you can do to show God’s love — however large or small — is worth doing. By investing in your community, you can be a living demonstration of Christ’s grace to people who do not yet know Him. Jesus met the lost where they were and alleviated their physical needs as much as their spiritual ones. A school outreach is one more opportunity for the local church to do the same.

What can you and your church do this school year?