“If Johnny Can’t Read, Our Church Can’t Grow!” – 5 Things Any Church Can Do To Serve Local Schools This Fall

“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.” – Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)

It has become increasingly evident that the level of a local church’s success is directly tied to the level of its involvement in their local community, specifically the schools.  I have always felt this intuitively but it came into clear focus after a recent conversation with a dear friend who serves as a Community Pastor.

He said, “Brian, my philosophy is ‘If Johnny can’t read, our church can’t grow!”  The following was his rationale:

1. Parents want their children to receive a great education so they can have a hope and a future.
2. Before moving into an area, many parents check the reading and standardized testing scores of the local schools.
3. If the scores are good, people move there.  If they are poor, they do not.
4. If people are moving into the community, this reflects the community’s health and subsequent growth.
5. A healthy, growing community gives us a chance to be a healthy, growing church.
6. If our community isn’t growing, neither will our church.
7. Therefore, if Johnny can’t read, our church can’t grow.

Interestingly, I also recently met with another group of church leaders who felt the need to address illiteracy issues in their community.  A volunteer leader organically launched a mentoring program for 20 at-risk youth who struggled with reading.  After completing the program, 19 or the 20 young people subsequently passed their standardized tests.  As a bonus, many of these students and their families now attend the church.

Engaging the schools in your area pays high dividends for local churches.  If you are looking to serve your local school system, here are five easy, initial steps any church can take:

1. Ask for your school’s Performance Action Plan or equivalent.  This is a document outlining the school administration’s goals and objectives for the upcoming year and beyond.  Churches effectively serve schools and their leaders by understanding and helping them achieve the objectives of their Action Plans.
2. Provide teachers gift bags at the beginning of the school year.  Many schools will have new teachers this fall.  These teachers are not only new to the school, but also new to the community.  What a great, practical way to welcome them to the school while also introducing them to your church.
3. Once a week, provide breakfast for the teachers, janitors, and administrators.  I recommend Chick-fil-A biscuits but cinnamon roles work nicely as well.
4. Feed your local high school football teams.  Simply partner with a local barbecue or Italian restaurant to cater the meal.  It will come at a reduced cost because restaurants desire to be part of the community’s fabric.  It also provides them high-impact, low-cost advertising options.
5. Here is a unique twist on the last point.  We all know that everyone loves the football team but did you know that the band often has more members than the football team?  Feeding the band will provide your church significant ministry impact and exposure.

There are many creative strategies currently being utilized by churches to engage their local school systems such as backpacks, shoes, and reading glasses.  What are some additional practical ideas you are successfully using that you would like to pass along to church leaders?

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