Build Ministry & School Connections

The world has changed, for the most part. Long gone are the days of a youth pastor simply checking in at the office to have lunch with students during the school day or walking the halls before and after the bell rings.

One of the top questions I get is something like, “How do I get on campus?” or “How can I connect my ministry to local schools?”

Here is my Top Ten List of How to BUILD MINISTRY AND SCHOOL CONNECTIONS…

10. *Volunteer as a Mentor or Coach
Offer your time to mentor students or coach a sports team. Schools often need volunteers, which allows you to build meaningful relationships with students outside of church.

9. *Attend School Events**
– Support students at school games, concerts, and other events. Being present and engaged in their world helps build trust and visibility with other faculty and even the security team.

8. “Provide Resources for Teachers*
– Offer to supply classrooms with resources or materials they may need, such as books, snacks, or school supplies. Supporting teachers can help build stronger connections.

7. *Partner for Service Projects*
Collaborate with the school on service projects through the National Honor Society that benefit the community. On the other hand, consider making the school a place for students to do “community service hours” when they get in trouble.

6. “Host a “Thank You” Event or Prayer Sunday for Teachers and Staff
Organize an appreciation event or provide the teachers and staff with a meal. Showing appreciation for their hard work can help build goodwill and open up opportunities for future collaboration. A few years ago, we made “thank you cakes” and hand-delivered them to each school represented in our ministry the week before school, when teachers were stuck coming in early to do training and set up classrooms.

5. “Be a Resource for School Counseling*
– Offer your services as a resource for school counselors, mainly if a student is dealing with issues needing spiritual or moral guidance. Establish a referral relationship with counselors. Especially when tragically strikes in a school with a death, accident, or other traumatic event, offer to come in as an optional spiritual advisor for students.

4. “Join the PTA or School Committees” 
– Get involved in the PTA or other school committees, even if you are not a parent. This gives you a voice in the school’s activities and helps build relationships with parents and faculty.

3. “Offer Your Space for School Events*
If your church has suitable facilities, offer to host school events like meetings, award ceremonies, or fundraisers. This can be especially useful if the school has limited space or resources. We currently do this with an elementary school next door to our church, and it has opened doors for relationships with the middle school and high school in the district.

2. “Offer to Speak or Lead Workshops*
– Offer expertise in leadership, character building, or conflict resolution. Schools often look for guest speakers or workshop leaders for assemblies or special events. If you need some help or don’t know what to teach, GLS NEXT GEN helps with 100+ leadership videos that include easy-to-use discussion guides

1. Help and Support Students Starting a School Club/Bible Study!
– Work with your students and local para-church ministries like Youth for Christ, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Decision Point, or similar organizations to get a positive representation within the school while offering student-led Bible studies.  Check out the “Launching a Campus Ministry Guide”

**NOTE: Each strategy requires sensitivity to the school’s environment and the student’s needs. Building relationships with school administrators and being transparent about your intentions will help ensure your efforts are welcomed and effective.