Seven Things School Administrators

Want to Hear

I live and work in the Bible belt, but I have found that even here in this very conducive environment what administrators fear from religious groups and what puts those fears to rest for them. This society is so litigious that they do not need any problems from the people they allow to spend time with students.

1.    Be unofficial staff. When you step onto campus, you are a part of the school’s volunteer or unofficial staff. Acknowledge their leadership and authority, and conduct yourself accordingly!

2.    Don’t demand entitlements. We are about working with students, but we are not entitled to do so in schools. If Wicca or another group that has a negative impact on students wants to use campus ministry as an excuse to gain entrance into the school, then it is our responsibility to withdraw from meeting at school for the students’ benefit.

3.    Don’t disrupt the educational process. We as campus ministers do not want to disturb or disrupt in any way what the school is trying to accomplish. Therefore, we do not take any trips or have events that will cause students to miss class or school.

4.    Be a role model. We should allow students to see Christ in us. Be Jesus with skin on! Love them for who they are, where they are, and as they are, without expectations. Also, the school does not need another student who is overgrown but someone whom students respect and will emulate.

5.    Be a counselor with a listening ear. We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen twice as much as we speak. They need an adult to hear them and understand them, not tell them.

6.    Don’t proselytize. Students should never be put in a position to make a decision for Christ in crowded, loud, and active environments such as school or athletic events. We should take them somewhere where we can make sure they understand their decision and what it means. Keep your Bible out of sight, and share Scripture from memory.

7.    It is all about relationships and time with students. Spend time supporting, encouraging, and being available to the youth, and you will find more relationships than you can handle and a school and administration open to you spending time with their students and not worrying about what you might do.