In today’s world, evolution is accepted as a fact and gender is not. And because of regulations, a Christian teacher usually finds herself severely limited in her (or his) abilities to minister to her students the way she wants.

So how can a Christian teacher be a missionary in the public school classroom these days? Read on to discover some practical ways a teacher can reach her students for God, even in a public school. Most importantly, these ideas are all backed by Scripture! Keep reading to be inspired. <3

How A Christian Teacher Can Be A Missionary in the Classroom

He Knows The Plan

His Ways Are Higher Than Our Ways

I love to look back on events in my life and see the puzzle pieces come together. As humans, our brains and eyes are limited. We can’t see the whole picture. However, God can!

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ Jeremiah 29:11

I know sometimes it feels like it’s not enough to do what a Christian teacher can in the classroom. But we can trust that if God gave us the calling to teach, He also has a reason for it and can use us where we’re at. After all, someone has to teach these kids!

A great book about letting God use you His way is The Prayer of Jabez – this is a book I have often reread and definitely recommend picking up a copy! (disclosure)

A Christian Teacher is Part of a Larger Team

God doesn’t expect you to meet every spiritual need of every student. This is because the body of Christ is a giant team with the ultimate coach and the same goal! Each Christian has a unique purpose and job to do.

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” 1 Corinthians 12:12

So even though a Christian teacher can’t lead the classroom in prayer or teach about the life of Christ, she can affect their spiritual lives in other ways.

Practical Ways to Be a Missionary in the Classroom

Pray

Prayer is the most powerful tool we have for touching lives! Though we may not be able to lead the class in prayer, we can definitely pray privately for our students. As a Christian teacher, you can pray for your class in your personal prayer time, and in the classroom when you’re with them.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. ” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

Show Your Fruit

As Christians, we are to be an example. Think of someone who has greatly influenced you in a positive way. Do you respect this person because of things they’ve said? Or because of what they’ve done? We may not be able to convert students to disciples, but we can certainly prepare them by representing God through our character.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

When you do good works, speak kindly, and show patience, compassion, and gentleness, people notice. If you act differently than the world, you tend to stand out. This evidence can make a difference in the lives of your students to motivate and prepare them for accepting Jesus themselves.

A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:18-20

Serve

As much as we are called to make disciples, we are also called to serve. Unfortunately, many kids come from broken homes or regularly deal with neglect or verbal abuse. Some kids go hungry, and some kids just plain don’t get enough affection. As a Christian teacher, you can do your part to help these kids stay healthy and know they’re loved.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” Matthew 25:34-36