School has been in session for a few weeks now, and life is busy. Between school, work, extracurricular activities, and everything else, parents and teachers can quickly become overwhelmed.

As Christians, God calls us to put our faith into action and show His love to others. 1 John 3:18 reads, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
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One of the best ways we can demonstrate God’s love is by serving the people in our own communities. Here are 10 practical ways you and your church can minister to a school or schools near you.

1. Provide a Fun Drink and Snack Cart for Teachers

Teachers work incredibly hard and often give so much of themselves to their students. Set up a drink and snack cart to show them that your church cares.

You could provide Coke, diet drinks, Mountain Dew, bottled water, chips, energy bars, or other snacks. Providing a simple snack and drink can lift a teacher’s day.

2. Pass Out Biscuits or Coffee in the Car Line

Consider placing a sticker or small handout on the wrapper or cup with information about your church. You can use this as an opportunity to invite families to your church or to an upcoming event.

3. Provide Invitations to School Families

Ask the schools in your area if they would allow you to provide handouts or invitations for an upcoming church event. You could invite families to your fall festival, Christmas party, Easter egg hunt, end-of-the-school-year celebration, or another community event.

4. Provide Snacks for Kids After School

Kids are always hungry after school! Once a week, or even every few weeks, consider providing snacks and juice pouches for students during afternoon car line.

5. Get Involved with a Christian Club

Find out if there is a Christian club at school and look for ways your church can support it.

6. Serve Families on Meet-the-Teacher Night

When the school hosts a meet-the-teacher night, ask if your church can provide a table with treats or refreshments for families. It is a great way to serve parents, students, and teachers while building relationships within the school community.

7. Help Provide Needed Supplies

Before or during the school year, contact schools in your area and ask how your church can help meet practical needs. You might provide school supplies, clothing, backpacks, snacks, or other necessities to a school or families who may be struggling financially. Rather than assuming what a school needs, simply ask, “How can we help?”

8. Meet with the Principal

One of the best things you can do is sit down with the principal of a school you are serving and ask how your church can best minister to the teachers, parents, and students.

Every school and community has different needs. Taking the time to listen can help your church serve in ways that are truly meaningful and beneficial.

9. Provide Lunch for the Teachers

Surprise the teachers with lunch on a random day!

You could provide pizza, sandwiches, catered food, or another meal that is easy for the staff to enjoy together. Let the teachers know that your church appreciates everything they do.

10. Create a School Prayer List

Last, but certainly not least, create a prayer list for your church to use throughout the year.

Pray for the teachers, administrators, parents, and students in your community. Pray for their safety, their families, their challenges, and their spiritual needs.

Put Your Faith into Action

There are countless ways we can minister to our schools and show God’s love to the people in our communities. We don't always need a large program or a big budget. Sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the greatest impact. Don’t just invite the families to church, but show them you care for them.

(And remember, the first nine ideas should always be done with the school’s permission and in cooperation with school administration.)

Julie Donavan has served in children’s and preschool ministry for 16 years and is currently the children’s minister at Temple Baptist Church in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. Julie has written discipleship resources and leadership training for Lifeway, The Baptist Paper, and the Alabama State Board of Missions. Called to ministry at age nine, she continues to serve faithfully alongside her husband, Connor, and their two young children.