August is here. As we know in our communities, it is back to school. There will be several mission opportunities to help with the school system. For many years, I served on Family Resource Center boards. Many opportunities would be presented on how churches can help. We have given school supplies, clothing needs, snack packs, meals, and Christmas presents to name a few. Some schools that are in economically stressed areas were very open to us to help them. Usually there is a need throughout the school year and even summer when school is not in session. As pastor, I would receive phone calls form the directors to help with the needs. It is a great relationship for our churches in the communities that we serve. The reason to be involved is to show that we care for the students and families and that we are on mission to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Another way that we can show our support of our schools is to pray for the students, educators, and everyone employed by the school system. Our students face so many things today in our culture, the students need our prayers every day.  Those employed by the school system need our prayers especially believers that are representing Christ. We need to pray for all whether they are public, private and home school programs. 

A great after school program that I have learned about is called Child Evangelism Fellowship. We have several of these in Northern Kentucky. They need volunteers to help with this program. This after school program is held onsite of the school. Martha Krebeck is the Local Director of Child Evangelism Fellowship here in Northern Kentucky. For more information you can call Martha at (859) 667-4599 or by email at [email protected]. It is great gospel centered program to help our students learn about Jesus and what He has done for them. Several of our NKBA churches are involved with this great ministry.

 

Also, there is a correlation in back to school that directly affects the church. Churches will see an increase in attendance when the school year starts. Families transition back to their normal schedule. This is an opportunity to contact our families to prompt them to return to weekly attendance.   In my pastoral experience, I have found significant times in the year that people are more open to attending services. Back to school is one of them. In the past, I have done Back to Church emphasis, such as fellowships that promotes the family getting together. It was usually an outside fellowship with food and games on a Sunday evening. Also, I have done a Sunday Morning emphasis giving an opportunity to invite family, friends, neighbors or coworkers.

 

Finally, it is an opportunity to start a new ministry or reengage a ministry that we have done in the past. We will have several weeks of daylight to help with evening events. Let us look at August as an opportunity from God to serve and follow Him.