Comments on: Reaching Students in Public Schools

By: David Allen

David Allen — Thu, 02 May 2019 18:27:54 +0000

Some other facts you need to know about Youth For Christ.
As a non-Christian, raised in public schools in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I can tell you about the actual impact of Y.F.C. in our schools.
As a non-Christian, you are the target of both students, faculty and teachers, because they collude to put pressure on you to “get saved.” They do NOT respect the boundaries of church, state and public schools. Year after year, they openly target, discuss, shame and pontificate about their “ministry to the unsaved…..ESPECIALLY the Jews “who rejected Jesus, the Savior.” You hear it in cafeterias, study hall, even in school assemblies, and often spoken by teachers and school administrators. There was no boundary to their shaming and proselytizing. They tell you to your face that you are in
a “Christian community.” That is nothing less than religious persecution.
Imagine, you as a Fundamentalist Christian, attending a public school, being reminded almost daily by fellow students, teachers and administrators,that you are inferior because you are not a Jew. Imagine being shunned, overlooked and tacitly discriminated against in athletics, academics and social life “because you are not of the Chosen People”
Walk in the shoes of those you have marginalized. The bottom line?
Youth For Christ in public schools may have advanced the goals of Fundamentalist Christians, but it was done by abusing students. If your goal was to “influence teens for Christ,” you failed. More students, whether Christian or not, resented the religious pressure and bigotries, than were drawn to it.
Perhaps that’s why the vast majority of Americans are now Nones, who have made the intellectual and spiritual decision to avoid religions altogether, NOT because they have “lost their faith” or even “chose to be hostile to Christ’s message.” (Youth For Christ words, verbatum) but because of the abuses, shaming and bullying by religions, particularly Fundamentalist Christians, in ALL our public venues: schools, city council meetings, county administration meetings, public venues of every kind. Imagine Muslims or Jews or Hindus dominating EVERYTHING in your city, state and government.
Put yourself in the shoes, eyes and ears of others.

By: Jesse DeMent

Jesse DeMent — Sun, 06 Sep 2015 07:09:42 +0000

I was asked by a parent to come and speak at the local public school’s Christian club six years ago. That opened the door to build relationship with kids as well as some teachers. Another parent heard me talking about this last year and approached her son’s school about starting up a club. With prayer and a teacher opening up his room, the club was started. It has been great to walk their halls, see there challenges, and see God work on these campuses.

By: Theresa Mazza

Theresa Mazza — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:06:55 +0000

In reply to Jonathan Magee. I love that you admit it's uncomfortable. Basketball Chaplin! Great idea. I've witnessed some of the chapel services with the NBA and WNBA and think it's awesome!

By: Theresa Mazza

Theresa Mazza — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:03:48 +0000

In reply to Theresa Mazza. Sorry about that! Way to plug in, Adam! Love it!!!

By: Theresa Mazza

Theresa Mazza — Sat, 05 Sep 2015 00:01:10 +0000

In reply to Adam Churchwell. Way to plug in Jonathan, that's awesome! What do youth pastors and teachers have in common? They both love free food!!!!

By: Jonathan Magee

Jonathan Magee — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 22:11:53 +0000

I am a second year youth minister in Ruston, LA. I have a very small youth group and decided the best way to change that was through school outreach. I majored in music, so I help by being a percussion instructor to the high school and jr. High. I call to lunches, practices, and games. I also joined FCA with the intent of being a basketball chaplin. It has been an uncomfortable but very rewarding process.

By: Adam Churchwell

Adam Churchwell — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 19:58:33 +0000

Me and our middle school pastor visit 2 schools a week, each at lunch. The schools have been very accepting of us coming on campus. One thing we do is to provide breakfast for the staff of a school every other couple of weeks. We will take biscuits from McDonalds, bagels from Panera and cut up some fruit along with coffee and drinks. We serve the teachers and the admin. It does wonders with building relationships with our church and school. And it’s not that expensive. Teachers love free food!