When I was a student in school I struggled with the negative influences that filled the hallways, the dirty jokes, the curse words, the offers to use drugs and the invitation to have my first alcoholic drink. As a Christian, I felt like I needed to isolate myself from the world around me, when, in fact, the world around me needed a message that I had the opportunity to offer.

I am reminded of what Paul says in Romans 1:16…

“For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

Our students are on a yearlong mission trip. They are on the mission field every day. It’s our students who can make a difference in their schools as they walk through those doors and towards their lockers.

When I was a student I made it my focus to witness to five of my friends who didn’t know Jesus and think of ways to make a positive influence in my high school.

Here are five ways you can make a different in your school.

Start a Bible Club

If your school doesn’t have a Bible Club…start one! Talk to your guidance counselor or someone that you know and trust that can walk you through the process. Then begin to promote it to other students in your school. I believe that Bible Clubs are the heartbeat of what God can do in our schools when students stand up for Christ and begin reaching others in various ways.

Get Involved in Ways to Help your School

This is my personal favorite. When we find ways to help in our schools, we are allowing the Gospel to speak through our actions. Don’t be afraid to look for ways that you can help. Whether you help your teacher after class, pick up some trash you see lying in the hallway or give a simple encouragement to the staff and faculty who work so hard to keep you safe. There are tons of ways you can give a helping hand!

Sit Next to someone who is Sitting Alone

I am sure you have seen that one student sitting at lunch by himself/herself. For many students, socializing can be difficult, and they could be struggling with something deeper on the inside. Take a step out of your comfort zone and be a light to that one kid sitting alone. I can promise that you will make a difference in his or her life just by sitting down and saying “hey.”

“See You at the Pole”

Does your school participate in the “See You at the Pole” event? This is a powerful time of prayer as students nationwide come together and meet around their school’s flagpole and pray.

For more information on this event, click here.

Pray for Your School

Don’t forget about this! Pray for your teachers, your friends, and yes, even those that tease you. Prayer changes things. James 5:16 tells us; “…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” The Bible is full of men and women just like us who, by the power of prayer, did amazing things for the Kingdom of God. Don’t give up on your school and don’t neglect the people that you see all day long. However, pray and allow God to use you in mighty ways.

So I want to encourage you to step out in faith and step into God’s plan for your school. Go and don’t be ashamed of who Jesus is in your life. Rather, begin to share the love that God has with everyone you encounter and allow the good news of the Gospel to show in what you SAY and DO within the walls of your school.

Larry Fulmer is a Pastor and Corps Officer within The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania where he has served for 3 years. He is responsible for the day to day ministry of The Salvation Army, while taking every opportunity to share with those within the community the good news of the Gospel. He is married to his wife Ashley and both serve in ministry together.

Follow Larry on Twitter | @FulmerLarry