Anyone who thinks that God has been banned from public schools ever since 1962 needs to check their history. Their recent history, that is.
Most Christians are familiar with (and shake their fists at) two Supreme Court decisions from the early 1960s, both ruling against teacher-led religious practices at the start of the school day. The first case involved prayer; the second, scripture readings.
But a lesser-known decision from 2001 is the more relevant one, opening the door for the gospel in public schools - if Christians are willing to seize the opportunity. In Good News Clubs v. Milford Central School the Court ruled that if a public school offers its facilities to any outside organizations for after school clubs, they must be made available to everyone. Quite plainly, religious clubs enjoy as much access as the Boy Scouts, art and drama clubs, or club sports teams.
Good News Clubs are a creation of Child Evangelism Fellowship and enjoyed accommodation in some school districts, but not all, which is what led to the 2001 case. What the decision did is clarify that Good News Clubs could not be kept out just because they were religious in nature. Or to put it another way, if a school lacks a Christian club, it isn't because the school is keeping them out, but because Christians haven't gone in.
How are we doing in San Diego? According to CEF's interactive website (you can view the county map here), there are 19 schools in Oceanside, 2 with clubs; 10 schools in Encinitas, 1 with a club; 10 schools in San Marcos, 2 with clubs; and 9 schools in Carlsbad, none with clubs.
So here's the opportunity: an after school club that meets at a school site one day a week, usually for the hour after school gets out, staffed by a team of volunteers, with curriculum and administrative support from CEF (they have an office in North County). The potential audience is any kid who goes to that school. Schools will usually send home the flier and permission slip announcing the club. The potential effect is huge.
What the club looks like is essentially a reflection of its makeup and the team running it. There is a book of lessons put out by CEF which form the backbone of the curriculum (and a separate set targeted at middle schools, although no middle school in the county currently has a club). But the environment and dynamic (games, music, skits, snacks, crafts) is limited only by the creativity and will of the organizers. CEF recommends that no fewer than six people form the team so there's plenty of help and supervision. It's also noted that the meeting time right after school makes it a convenient option for high school students looking to fulfill service hour requirements. What's more, a pastor in Encinitas has developed a strategy for bridging the gap between school clubs and churches, so the club can do what it does best - outreach - while funneling interested students into local churches for growth and discipleship.
There's another reason to love this Court decision. Not only does it give Christian groups access, but it actually promotes the presence of the gospel. One has to seriously question whether "God was in the schools" prior to 1962 by virtue of the prayer that was recited. The prayer in question in Engel v. Vitale went like this:
Almighty God, we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee, and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents, our teachers and our country. Amen.
Whether you believe such a prayer is sufficient, overly religious, or innocuous, it isn't the gospel, and doesn't begin to reach where an in-school club could reach. Furthermore, would you really want a public school teacher who may not be a Christian to be leading your kid in a prayer like that? I wouldn't. To me, that models hypocrisy: all that counts is the words, not the sentiment behind them.
An after-school club is totally legitimate: it is non-coercive - kids who come have chosen to come and are there with parental consent - it is convenient - no extra transportation by parents is needed - and it is easy for kids to invite friends to - it happens right on their turf. And it is led by a group of caring adults who want to invest in kids that might never darken the door of a church. Moreover, it visually demonstrates to Christian kids that God - and by extension, faith - doesn't live at church.
Sometimes I wonder if evangelicals prefer to curse the darkness than to light candles. We fixate on legal restrictions or the slightest bit of resistance and call it persecution. Give me a break. The real issue is whether we will step up to the opportunities we have. This is one such opportunity - a huge one.
Interested in hearing more? A small but growing team of people is meeting monthly to plan, pray, and strategize about establishing more clubs in North County. They're working to get the word out - to Moms in Touch groups, area churches, and anyone interested in reaching kids - about the possibilities. The next meeting is Tuesday, February 5, at noon at Coastline Community Church in Encinitas. Anyone is welcome to come. E-mail me if you want more info.
Info, articles, and thoughts for parents of kids at North Coast Calvary Chapel.
