Churches can make a very real and significant difference to the pupils in a local school by actively supporting groups for Christian pupils or for those wanting to explore Christian faith for themselves. This might mean supporting an existing group or encouraging a new group to start.
There may be the need for the church to offer some form of financial or prayer support to get the group started and as an ongoing contribution. Groups can be led by Christian pupils, Christian staff or by someone from outside the school such as a church member or Christian schools worker. If the group is pupil led, then offers of help and advice in developing the programme, finding speakers and with leading some sessions may be welcome. Possibly the church building could be used for special events for the group or 'away times'.
Practical support from the church might include prayer, a small grant for resources, refreshments offers of venues for additional meetings, transport to Christian events, access to a library of resources to use in school meetings or books, videos and DVDs to borrow.
School Christian groups have long been a significant way to help pupils apply their Christian beliefs to real-life situations, to learn more about what it means to be 'salt and light' in the school and to explain their faith to friends and peers. Linking the school group with external church activities can also provide a way for other pupils to discover more about Jesus and explore the Christian faith.