Here are some simple tips that I use when going into a school as a youth worker. I am in no way an expert on the subject. Just some ideas. I would love to hear your ideas and collaborate!
1. Take food - Although this is not something I do every time I go to a school, it has proved to be a great way to introduce yourself to students. Just buy a pizza and go sit down with a student that is in the student ministry that you serve and pass out pizza to their friends. Needless to say, the friends will remember you.
2. Sit and talk - When you are at a lunch with students if there is an open seat, just sit down and talk. You will be surprised the conversations that you will have just hanging out and finding out about student's lives. After a little bit their friends will warm up to you and connect.
3. Don't Sweat it - If you go to a school and a student is rude or mean to you, don't sweat it. Try to remember what it was like when strangers walked into your cafeteria when you were in school. You are there to serve and meet students. Don't let a student get you down.
4. Don't always be an advertisement - (this is the hardest for me) Don't always have 2000 youth flyers in your pocket when you go. It is important that you go just simply because you care for students, not just because you want a large number at your next event. The temptation is to just go hang out with students before an event. The best thing is to be consistent, regardless of what is happening in your student ministry. Love, no strings attached.
5. Get to know the faculty - Don't just walk into the school like you own the place. Take time to get to know the teachers, custodians, coaches, secretaries, and whoever else you get a chance to. You are a guest, and if you are able to come into a school to minister to students it is a privilege.
6. Get involved - Find out what clubs and/or activities there are and get involved. I have found that most teachers that help with the Christian clubs are always looking for help. In the past, through students being involved in Christian clubs, I have been able to speak to hundreds of students that I would never be able to share the Gospel with. We have had so many students come to revolution because we were involved.
Also, things change over time. Don't be afraid to try something new. Revolution has had prayer meetings before and after school, worship services on friday, after-school Bible Studies, prayer walks, lunch Bible Studies, and a bunch of other things. Don't be afraid to try something new. Allow students to lead the charge and dream new things that will create change in their schools.
Just some thoughts...
What have you found to be effective?
