Adapted from FAQs:
Presenting the Gospel to students and their familes
The motto of the School Chaplain Program is “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Ministry to family units happens in a number of ways starting with the children. Children love the Jesus of the Bible. They take their excitement home. We call it the second wave. Children share what they learn in school with parents, siblings, friends, and relatives. Excited little evangelists are reported to be responsible for family restorations and reduced domestic violence. The most powerful testimony of all is when young people lead others in a prayer of salvation.
Parents are asked to attend counseling sessions with their children to resolve any number of concerns or issues. Years ago, it was discovered that student/parent sessions are more meaningful and effective than those with students alone. Children also invite their parents to special school assemblies where the Lord is worshiped and the Gospel is preached.
There is a trickle-up effect. Children behave, show more respect for authority and are more helpful at home. Parents are happy because they see the impact of the Word of God on their children. School principals are happy because chaplains support teachers and help resolve conflicts. Superintendents are grateful because school chaplains help maintain a learning environment in schools. Local politicians are happy because their constituents are grateful. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Following up with new believers
How does the SCP follow up and support growth in a new believer?
A great way to view this is by comparing the amount of direct instruction time a young person receives in church as opposed to the school chaplain program. The average church has one staff member for every 86 congregants. In recent years, the average church member attends church 6 hours (360 minutes) a month. 360 minutes of attendance / 86 congregants = 4 minutes of instruction per person per month.
In the School Chaplain Program, the average school has 898 students, school faculty, and parents and is staffed by 1.2 chaplains, which equals disciple/chaplain ratio of 748/1. Time at school averages 129 hours (7740 minutes) per month. 7740 minutes of attendance / 748 participants = 10 minutes of instruction per person per month. That is 2 ½ times the direct contact available in church.
Status quo is a vital aspect of discipleship in the chaplain program meaning it does not require any change in behavior in order to participate. This is huge because participation is institutionalized. Chaplains also use official school channels of communication to maintain relationships with disciples. Chaplains are instructed to encourage young believers to read their Bibles in a structured way and participate in group Bible studies.
Win-Disciple-Send
How do the chaplains motivate believers to eventually become disciples who make disciples?
Win-Disciple-Send is our mission. Chaplains use the classic Romans Road (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:9-10, 10:13) to lead people to salvation and the love of God. Chaplains also teach how to use the Romans Road to win others to Jesus. The Romans Road to Salvation is easy to understand, simple to teach and straightforward to implement.
Excited young people are excellent evangelists. Their passion and zeal overcome a lack of experience. We have coined the term, “Second Wave,” to refer to their efforts in evangelizing peers and adults. Evangelism and discipleship are supported with an easy-to-use topical index of Biblical studies on a ministry phone app.
