For 20 years, the doors to our local public schools remained tightly closed. The message was clear: No churches allowed. I’ve discovered three principles that are key to partnering with public schools.

Pray

Traveling home after performing nine public school assemblies on behalf of two Missouri churches, I prayed and asked God for a plan.

The Church’s mission is to change the world for Christ, and there is no better place to start than with the children in our communities. Schools represent an opportunity to show God’s love not only to children, but also to their teachers and families.

Prove

The fact is, schools need churches. Every school administrator and teacher has a long list of things he or she would like to accomplish — and few resources for making them happen. But they also face enormous liability and pressure from those who seek to keep out people of faith. Consequently, church leaders must be willing to prove their involvement will be beneficial and not detrimental.

My first idea was to begin “Rescue Me from School Lunch.” When a child in my ministry had a birthday, I invited the parents to call the school and give approval for me to bring the child lunch to celebrate. At first, we ate separately from the rest of the students; eventually, the school allowed me to join everyone in the lunchroom. This small change revealed that I was gaining trust.

Partnering with schools is all about relationship.

I later talked with a teacher I met and offered to volunteer in the classroom 90 minutes per week. Relationship building made the difference. I kept my ears attuned to needs and then looked for ways to meet them. All it takes is a servant’s heart — and a servant’s attitude.

Partner

It’s a rewarding day when you graduate from tolerated guest to trusted partner. You’ve proven you’re not there for your own agenda, but to help the school with theirs.

Partnering with schools is all about relationship. Don’t assume you know what they need. Ask! Then sign up people from your church to volunteer an hour or more.

Gather a paint crew and offer to refresh parts of the building. Victory Worship Center in Tucson, Arizona, transformed an entire school building over a summer, and provided iPads and other supplies for teachers. VWC’s bond with the school is now so strong that the employment application for principals asks whether the candidate will continue the relationship with the church.

One thing we did that strengthened our relationship was donating money for school leaders to use at their discretion. Students often have needs that teachers see. Gaining the ability to meet those needs as they arose was thrilling for the teachers.

I also partnered with principals to bring them messages their students need. I presented character education assemblies and spoke in all but one elementary school in our county.

Partnering with schools doesn’t have to be expensive or time-intensive. Even simple things can help build relationships. Rod Loy, senior pastor of First Assembly in North Little Rock, Arkansas, says serving as a guest reader in the school library can be a good way to show support and make positive connections.

Remember: Failure is not final. Schools need the church’s involvement. As we pray and prove our commitment, we can become welcome partners in building healthy families and strong communities.

This article originally appeared in the August/September 2017 edition of Influence magazine.