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Revolution Now
Starting a Bible Study at Your School
by Josh Weidmann
Sometimes public school can seem like an episode of Survivor. You feel like you're on your own and your faith is being challenged from every side. But unlike the poor saps on reality TV, you can't get kicked off this island. And that's a good thing -- there are ways to meet these obstacles.
You can make your school more than just a school. God didn't put you there just to struggle with math or play the tuba in band or sink a three-pointer. God wants to start a revolution on your campus, and He wants to do it with you.
And not only you -- impacting your school is not something you have to do alone. One of the best things you can do on your campus is to start a prayer or Bible study group. This will give you a chance to get together with other Christian students to pray, study, and encourage each other. Together, you can let the rest of your school know what you stand for.
Know Your Rights
But first things first, you need to know the rules. Set a good example by following them, but at the same time don't be pushed around. If you encounter opposition, meet it with grace and respect -- but don't feel that you have to cave. Here are some of the rights you have as a student in a public school:
Form and Attend Religious Groups
The Equal Access Act gives students the right to meet on campus for the purpose of participating in Bible clubs and prayer groups. The Supreme Court upheld the Equal Access Act in the Westside Community Schools v. Mergens case in 1990.
Talk About Your Religious Beliefs
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right mandated by the U.S. Constitution and cannot be prohibited on school grounds without significant justification by the school authorities. Which means if you're going about it the right way (humbly and earnestly and stuff), there's nothing that can legally be done to stop you.
Distribute Religious Literature
The distribution of literature on a public school campus may not be restricted merely because it is religious. "When (a student) is in the cafeteria, or on the playing field, or on the campus during the authorized hours, he may express his opinions" (Tinker, 512-13). This includes the right to advertise your group by using the p.a. system, posters around the school, and the other usual ways to spread the word.
Pray
Students may pray alone or with others, so long as it does not disrupt school activities. The Supreme Court has only prohibited school-endorsed prayers, not individual prayers.
Carry or Study Your Bible
Students may study their Bible on campus. Any free time you have to read unassigned materials is an appropriate time for Bible study or reading. Just like school prayer, the Supreme Court has said that only state-directed Bible reading is unconstitutional.
Meet with School Officials
The First Amendment to the Constitution forbids Congress from making any law that would restrict the right of people to petition the government (school officials). You have the right to meet with officials of the school, and it's a great idea to establish a good relationship with school administrators.
Getting Started
Once you know your rights, here are some practical things to help you start your group:
Build a Team
Look for other Christian students who are passionate about changing your school. Get together and talk about what your vision is and specify each team member's responsibility. Remember each person on your team should have equal say. It's also vital to pray together even before you start the club.
If you have a hard time finding other Christians at your school, talk to your youth leader at church. They can probably hook you up with other youth leaders at other churches who might know other Christian students at your school.
Sponsorship
When it's time to start the club you'll need to find a teacher or counselor that will sponsor you. Your group has to be student-led, but you need to have a teacher there to make sure everything runs OK. Just ask your teachers if they'd be willing to sponsor your group. It sounds a little intimidating, but chances are there's a teacher somewhere in your school who will be glad to help.
Remember that your sponsor is only supervising; the actual leadership is up to you. Be respectful of your sponsor's time and be sure to show your appreciation.
Get Permission
After praying and planning it's time to claim your ground. Meet with your principal and ask for permission to start your group. Be ready with laws and legal precedents in case you're told you don't have the right to meet. Be polite and courteous, but stand up for your rights.
If you still get denied, don't give up hope. Talk to your parents and youth leaders and get them to help you fight for your rights. In the mean time, don't let bureaucracy hold you back. Meet with your group outside of school at someone's house or church.
Revolution
Once you get permission it's time to let the revolution begin. Make sure to use your meeting effectively and try to keep it from becoming a social time. Hanging with other Christians is important, but it's not your sole purpose. Here are a few things to remember:
1. Your group's efforts will only be as effective as your personal life. Make sure you're spending your own time with God.
2. Pray for your school. Ask your administrators and teachers and how you can pray for them. Pray for the salvation of specific students on your campus and for opportunities to share Christ with them. Be specific in your prayers. Write them down, and watch and wait for the answers.
3. Dive into the Bible and grow together. If you need help in knowing what or how to study, talk to your youth leader.
4. Share with each other about successes and failures in bringing God's love to your school. Thank God for steps forward, pray for second chances, and encourage one another to keep at it.
Start a revolution in your school!
Starting a Bible Study at Your School
by Josh Weidmann
Sometimes public school can seem like an episode of Survivor. You feel like you're on your own and your faith is being challenged from every side. But unlike the poor saps on reality TV, you can't get kicked off this island. And that's a good thing -- there are ways to meet these obstacles.
You can make your school more than just a school. God didn't put you there just to struggle with math or play the tuba in band or sink a three-pointer. God wants to start a revolution on your campus, and He wants to do it with you.
And not only you -- impacting your school is not something you have to do alone. One of the best things you can do on your campus is to start a prayer or Bible study group. This will give you a chance to get together with other Christian students to pray, study, and encourage each other. Together, you can let the rest of your school know what you stand for.
Know Your Rights
But first things first, you need to know the rules. Set a good example by following them, but at the same time don't be pushed around. If you encounter opposition, meet it with grace and respect -- but don't feel that you have to cave. Here are some of the rights you have as a student in a public school:
Form and Attend Religious Groups
The Equal Access Act gives students the right to meet on campus for the purpose of participating in Bible clubs and prayer groups. The Supreme Court upheld the Equal Access Act in the Westside Community Schools v. Mergens case in 1990.
Talk About Your Religious Beliefs
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right mandated by the U.S. Constitution and cannot be prohibited on school grounds without significant justification by the school authorities. Which means if you're going about it the right way (humbly and earnestly and stuff), there's nothing that can legally be done to stop you.
Distribute Religious Literature
The distribution of literature on a public school campus may not be restricted merely because it is religious. "When (a student) is in the cafeteria, or on the playing field, or on the campus during the authorized hours, he may express his opinions" (Tinker, 512-13). This includes the right to advertise your group by using the p.a. system, posters around the school, and the other usual ways to spread the word.
Pray
Students may pray alone or with others, so long as it does not disrupt school activities. The Supreme Court has only prohibited school-endorsed prayers, not individual prayers.
Carry or Study Your Bible
Students may study their Bible on campus. Any free time you have to read unassigned materials is an appropriate time for Bible study or reading. Just like school prayer, the Supreme Court has said that only state-directed Bible reading is unconstitutional.
Meet with School Officials
The First Amendment to the Constitution forbids Congress from making any law that would restrict the right of people to petition the government (school officials). You have the right to meet with officials of the school, and it's a great idea to establish a good relationship with school administrators.
Getting Started
Once you know your rights, here are some practical things to help you start your group:
Build a Team
Look for other Christian students who are passionate about changing your school. Get together and talk about what your vision is and specify each team member's responsibility. Remember each person on your team should have equal say. It's also vital to pray together even before you start the club.
If you have a hard time finding other Christians at your school, talk to your youth leader at church. They can probably hook you up with other youth leaders at other churches who might know other Christian students at your school.
Sponsorship
When it's time to start the club you'll need to find a teacher or counselor that will sponsor you. Your group has to be student-led, but you need to have a teacher there to make sure everything runs OK. Just ask your teachers if they'd be willing to sponsor your group. It sounds a little intimidating, but chances are there's a teacher somewhere in your school who will be glad to help.
Remember that your sponsor is only supervising; the actual leadership is up to you. Be respectful of your sponsor's time and be sure to show your appreciation.
Get Permission
After praying and planning it's time to claim your ground. Meet with your principal and ask for permission to start your group. Be ready with laws and legal precedents in case you're told you don't have the right to meet. Be polite and courteous, but stand up for your rights.
If you still get denied, don't give up hope. Talk to your parents and youth leaders and get them to help you fight for your rights. In the mean time, don't let bureaucracy hold you back. Meet with your group outside of school at someone's house or church.
Revolution
Once you get permission it's time to let the revolution begin. Make sure to use your meeting effectively and try to keep it from becoming a social time. Hanging with other Christians is important, but it's not your sole purpose. Here are a few things to remember:
1. Your group's efforts will only be as effective as your personal life. Make sure you're spending your own time with God.
2. Pray for your school. Ask your administrators and teachers and how you can pray for them. Pray for the salvation of specific students on your campus and for opportunities to share Christ with them. Be specific in your prayers. Write them down, and watch and wait for the answers.
3. Dive into the Bible and grow together. If you need help in knowing what or how to study, talk to your youth leader.
4. Share with each other about successes and failures in bringing God's love to your school. Thank God for steps forward, pray for second chances, and encourage one another to keep at it.
Start a revolution in your school!
