I sat in the pew next to one of my students, both of us dabbing tears as we listened to words about her classmate and my former student who passed away a few days prior. Everyone who knew Kyleigh knew she loved Jesus. Her evident faith gave us immense peace as we mourned.
Later, I spoke with a colleague who’s a fellow believer. She doesn’t often speak about her faith in the classroom, but being a Christian is intimately tied to her identity and many of her students know this about her. One day, a student approached her unexpectedly and asked, “How do you pray?” She answered the question as best as she could, and the student followed with “Is there a church you go to?” My colleague told her where she attended church and offered to save the student a seat if she ever wanted to come.
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A couple of weeks later, the girl showed up to the Sunday service and sat next to her teacher. She heard the gospel and believed it. Just a few weeks later, she brought her younger sister, Kyleigh, who did the same.
Kyleigh is now in the presence of her Savior because the Lord worked through a Christian teacher answering a simple question.
Teaching in the Trenches
There are legal restrictions that keep teachers from turning a lesson on quadratic equations into “The Sermon on the Math Hall.” Yet, answering direct questions from students, sponsoring student-led faith-based clubs, teaching about religion objectively as it relates to the curriculum, and engaging in conversations about faith with other adults on campus all fall within our rights. God uses the presence of Christian teachers in public schools to make his name known.
But for all the opportunities, there are also many challenges. Public schools can be hostile environments for those who hold a biblical worldview. For example, Christian teachers may face pressure to address transgender students by their preferred pronouns, conceal students’ sexual struggles from their parents, or to teach curricula they believe to be in opposition with Scripture. Refusal to acquiesce may result in alienation from coworkers, confrontation with parents, or even disciplinary action from the school district.
God uses the presence of Christian teachers in public schools to make his name known.
Unfortunately, some teachers find little support from the church. Conversations among Christians can villainize public school teachers, even when meant well as an attempt to protect children from harmful ideologies. Of course, there are people working in these schools who give cause for concern. And parents may legitimately choose to educate their children outside the public school system. But we have many brothers and sisters in Christ faithfully serving in the trenches. Churches should seek to link arms with them and support them as they shine a light in dark places.
How Churches Can Help
Here are several ways churches can come alongside public school teachers.
1. Encourage them.
Public school teachers often feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burdened by the darkness around them. Taking the time to write a note, send an email, or make a call goes a long way.
2. Find out what they need.
Teachers regularly give snacks, school supplies, clothes, and other resources to students. Reach out, ask what they need, and then provide it.
3. Substitute.
(And all the teachers said, “Amen!”) Nearly every school district in America needs more substitutes. What a blessing it would be if churches encouraged members to fill in when teachers need to be out of school. While you’re in the building, make it your mission to encourage as many people as you can.
4. Get involved in faith-based clubs.
Most schools have at least one student-led faith-based club like Fellowship of Christian Athletes or First Priority. Identify the staff sponsor at your local school and ask how you can help. Most sponsors are eager for local churches to get involved. You could provide snacks at the next meeting or distribute Bibles or tracts. Perhaps a pastor or church member could even speak at an event.
5. Feed them.
Teachers love meals that don’t come from the cafeteria or a lunch box. Most districts have workdays where teachers come in while students stay home. Providing lunch for teachers on these days is a great way to show that the church is behind them.
6. Advocate for them.
Pay attention to local politics concerning education, and support policies that will do good for teachers and students. If you need guidance, ask teachers to share their recommendations. Advocating also means being gracious in how we talk about public schools in conversations about school choice. You don’t have to choose public education for your child, but you can still honor your brothers and sisters working there to the glory of God.
7. Pray for them.
This is the most important suggestion of all. Commit to praying both privately and corporately that God would help teachers navigate the challenges that come with being Christians in public schools. Pray he’d use their presence there for his glory and the good of many.
Fan the Flame
Jesus says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” As modern readers, we sometimes forget that since the Bible was written long before Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb, when it speaks of light, it isn’t talking about the fluorescent bulbs in classrooms. The original audience would have associated light with fire.
You don’t have to choose public education for your child, but you can still honor your brothers and sisters who are working there to the glory of God.
Imagine if the church came behind teachers who are already shining their light and fanned their flame (2 Tim. 1:6). How many unbelieving students and teachers might see their good works and give glory to our Father in heaven? How many believers in the public education system might be encouraged to do the same?
Brothers and sisters, it’s true public schools can be dark places. But our Savior is described as a light that darkness cannot overcome. As his ambassadors, may we resolve to fan the flames of our brothers and sisters carrying Christ’s light in their classrooms so many may believe in him and behold his glory.
