Next-gen leaders often encourage students to think of their high schools as mission fields, but it’s not just students who go into classrooms daily as missionaries. Like any other Christian, teachers are to live as salt and light, even at their jobs.
Though many teachers want to live on mission in their classrooms, they hesitate. What about the separation of church and state? Doesn’t it prevent them from mentioning religion in their classrooms?
Contrary to conventional wisdom, educational professionals are not required, for all intents and purposes, to be agnostics while inside the walls of the school.
Here are six principles to consider for the teacher looking to navigate a faithful gospel witness at work.
- Be a Teacher of Excellence
Just as Paul encourages the believers in Philippi, we ought to teach in a way that is “worthy of the gospel.” In your work, be patient and fair. Grade in a timely manner and conduct yourself with integrity and compassion to students and parents alike. Diligently and dutifully complete paperwork. Avoid teachers’ lounge gripe sessions. Know your stuff and work to make your material come alive. Have high standards. Above all, care for and be interested in your students. In short, be like Christ.
- Know Your Environment
Not all mission fields are the same, which is why Jesus cautions His disciples to be “as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). It’s imperative to know the religious, cultural, and political dynamics of your context. As you live out your faith, anticipate the reactions of your context’s stakeholders, such as administration, parents, and district leaders. Be smart. Christians teaching in the Bible Belt have latitude to be more overt about their faith, but unfortunately, those in post-Christian areas must be more measured.
- Don’t Hide Your Faith
Regardless of the context, no teacher is required to check their faith at the door. Do you read your morning devotions at your desk before the bell rings? No need to hide your Bible in a drawer when the students drift in. Is there a student in your class who attends your church? Feel open to converse about the goings-on there. Sometimes students want to know what you do over the weekend and on holidays. Don’t avoid discussing your faith and church participation when it comes up naturally in conversation.
- Encourage Believing Students
As you get to know the students in your classroom, you’ll organically discover those who are believers. Make note of conversational inroads to discuss your mutual faith. Maybe they’ll go on a mission trip or a retreat during a break. Ask them about it once school reconvenes. As students discover you’re a Christian, you might be approached to sponsor a faith-based club or event; help as much as your capacity allows. Do what you can to encourage and catalyze the Christian students in your orbit.
- Shamelessly Teach Your Content
Not only does curriculum give the opportunity to speak positively about the Christian faith, but it’s also intellectually dishonest not to do so. Examples are easy and numerous. Many science and mathematics disciplines were pioneered by believers seeking to understand God’s world. History teachers can’t accurately teach the end of the transatlantic slave trade without discussing the faith of British evangelicals or the creation of hospitals without mentioning 4th-century Cappadocian Christians. And much of the literature of the Western world has the Bible and the social imaginary of Christianity as its bedrock. Regardless of the content area, lead students to think about and study whatever is true and honorable and just, whatever is pure and lovely and commendable (Phil 4:8).
- Be Ready to Answer
School years have ups and downs. Through slow weeks, difficult times, stressful seasons, and mountain top moments, love your students, respect your colleagues and leadership, and teach with excellence. Be consistent, and you will be salt; the light of the gospel of Christ will shine through you. When students ask you how you are who you are, be ready to share with them the reason for the hope within you.
So, teachers, as you prepare to walk into a new school year, know your heavenly Father walks with you, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.