What can I do as a Student?
How to Start a Christian Club at School
The purpose of a Christian Club at school should be to unite the believers to be in one accord and make an Organized Gospel Witness to the whole School.
Step 1. Identify believing Students, Parents, Educators & Church Leaders
who desire to reach the school with the Gospel.
Do a “High School Survey” in www.orgowits.org to find these believers whom we call a SPECL Coalition. .
o Be sure to include all evangelical Church Leaders who have students in your school.
o To unite together, have a “Survey Party,” or do it online in a “Survey Chat Room.”
Step 2. The Church Leaders should appoint a Campus Guide to assist
you in starting and running your club.
Ø Campus Guides could be a Youth Leader, a Mom, an Educator or even a grandparent.
o They will help you after school to prepare and plan your club and keep you accountable.
o Students should have input in the selection process for appointing Campus Guides.
o You may invite the Campus Guide to attend your club, but not on a regular schedule.
Step 3. Pray together. “If you don’t know what you are doing pray to
the Father. He loves to help…Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought…” (James 1:5-6, The Message)
Ø Ask God to make you aware of His plan for you.
o Ask Him to prepare the hearts of the school officials to help.
o Call Students, Parents, Educators & Church Leaders (they’re our SPECL Coalition) to pray with you and give you insight.
Step 4. Research the current situation at your school.
Ø Are there any other Christian Clubs in school?
o Can you unite with them? Once or twice a month?
Ø Check other non-curriculum clubs - you should be treated equally.
o How are they allowed to promote their club in school?
o When, where, and how long do they meet?
Ø Meet with the school officials to find out the requirements for starting a Christian Club?
o Work closely with the Christian Educators, asking for their wisdom, insight and prayers.
Step 5. Meet together with the Campus Guide to organize your club
according to school rules and cast the vision.
Ø Prepare a Club covenant:
o Agree on a simple one-page statement of Faith.
o Define the purpose of the Club.
o Define the officer’s roles and elect them.
o Set the day and time the meetings will run.
Ø Choose a Club curriculum: Try these ministries:
o FiSH (www.catchthis.net); 1st Priority (www.fpoa.org); CCC (www.gocampus.org/toolbox/campusclubministry.htm) Youth Alive (www.youthalive.ag.com/cc.cfm).
o Plan 4 weeks in advance
Step 6. Recruit Educators to sponsor the Club.
Ø Most schools require them to be there, at least for security.
o Students must initiate and run the club, but Educators may participate at your request.
Ø Educators can be “Streams in the desert,” all during the week giving encouragement, wisdom and prayer.
o Asking appropriate questions in class you can open the doors for the Educator to use the Bible. (See Educators panel in this “ActionPlan”).
Step 7. Present your proposal to the school officials according to what
you found in Step 4
Ø Make an appointment and be on time
o Take your officers and Educator Sponsor with you.
o Be polite; but not apologetic
o It’s vital to have a copy of the names of the Students that are interested in joining the club
o Bring a copy of the “Equal Access Act” with you in case the topic comes up. For a copy, go to the internet: www.gocampus.org/alliance/launch/launch3-7.html
Step 8. Advertise widely in churches and in school, then start your club!
Ø Start in the summer before school begins, if possible.
o Prepare to promote your club as soon as school starts.
Ø Plan for the See You at the Pole prayer event as soon as school begins, also. See www.syatp.com
o Get permission to put up flyers and make announcements.
Ø Plan how to get the names, email and phone numbers of the kids attending SYATP at your school to invite them to your Club.
Alternative: In case officials delay your Club in school,
Ø Meet in a home as a breakfast Club once a week.
o See Parents’ panel in this “ActionPlan”.