Sometimes I wonder if God allows the seemingly nonstop occurrence of natural disasters because His people are at their best when tragedy strikes.
I’m not saying He causes or creates the disasters. I’m merely wondering if He chooses not to stop them so we will have another opportunity to showcase His love at a level that pleases Him.
If that could be the case, at least in part, then it should lead us to evaluate how we look to Him during the calmer moments.
Is it possible the Church as a whole struggles to show up for area communities genuinely, thoroughly and consistently outside of horrific situations?
Dedicated efforts
Much of what we report in The Alabama Baptist highlights congregations and individuals who model a faith-driven love, compassion and effort. They are dedicated and involved, and we work to keep their stories in front of you as inspiration, encouragement and motivation.
Still, many of us may find ourselves too caught up in our own busy lives or exhausted from cultural debates to leave enough margin to notice the daily opportunities right in front of us.
Even positive, healthy activities can crowd our schedules and prevent us from having the time or energy needed to invest in that lonely older neighbor down the street or rebellious teenager who shows up in youth group from time to time.
Opportunities all around
What about the single mother working two or three jobs to keep food on the table and pay her bills? She’s determined not to ask for a handout and rarely complains or mentions a need, but if we slowed down to really think about it, we know we could help in some way.
Community after community across Alabama reports concerns and desperate pleas for partners to come alongside them — and most involve finding a way to give their children, teenagers and young adults an opportunity not only to survive but also to thrive.
There are twice as many churches in our state convention as there are public schools in Alabama. We really should be able to tackle many of the issues involving students.
“Alabama is the No. 24 largest school system in the United States, serving 747,831 students across the 1,511 public schools for the 2023 school year,” reports publicschoolreview.com. Another 456 private schools serve 81,437 students.
“The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Alabama is 22%,” the site states. “The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 45%.”
While many students in a variety of school systems across the state rank much higher than the percentage reported, a large number of students fall within or below the ranking.
What an incredible opportunity for churches to assist parents and teachers, especially now that the Alabama Literacy Act has been reactivated following a pause during and coming out of the pandemic.
Under the literacy act, students will not pass third grade if they are not on an appropriate reading level.
Focus on specific needs
Extra attention paid to children in kindergarten through third grade will make the difference — and might just make an eternal difference as well.
What schools are considered part of your congregation’s community?
What are ways your church could invest in students’ lives?
If you don’t have a school close by, look to assist a neighboring church that does. If the schools in your area have plenty of churches around to reach out, seek an area that doesn’t have enough help.
Think about teachers in your congregation. How might they be able to share ideas and provide guidance on how to help?
While retired teachers make excellent ministry leaders in this area, avoid asking a current teacher to add extra responsibilities to his or her plate.
We need our teachers rested so they have the energy needed to pour into the students each day.
Include all generations
Be creative and include all generations within your congregation. Do your due diligence related to who will be allowed to have direct access to the children and always work within the protocols required by school administrators.
It may be cumbersome, time consuming and even pricey to provide an ongoing, student-focused ministry of service to parents, teachers and staff, but think of the children and the possibilities you are providing.
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