More than Mentoring: Introducing Kids to Jesus

     Yesterday I read an article describing a mentorship ministry that connects local churches to public schools to mentor children. This is a fabulous opportunity, and I would strongly encourage churches to engage with schools by mentoring children. The mentoring that this ministry does is during the school day and so they are not free to talk about Jesus or to pray with a student. I am very glad that they recognize this and honor a healthy separation of church and state. This is all very positive. The author of the article described the positive impact that the mentoring was having on students. The whole key seems to be that having a loving, caring adult involved in a child's life can transform that child's view of him or herself and help bring academic success and socially appropriate behavior. In short, the child develops a sense of hope. This is phenomenal! What a great way to begin to engage with students and schools!
     On a practical level, however, I have noted in my context that very often if a church engages in a mentoring or tutoring program at a public school they check off their "school-based ministry" check box on their to-do lists. The problem is that as great as mentoring or tutoring is, if we never introduce children to Jesus then we have not offered the best relationship in the whole world. What makes mentoring of students successful in helping them achieve academically is a supportive relationship with a loving adult. When we feel loved, we are more motivated to make changes (not just kids but adults, too).
     The most important relationship that any of us can have—the most transformative relationship we can have—is with Jesus. So, mentor kids, yes! Tutor them, yes! Respect the separation of church and state, yes! But find ways to share the Good News about the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus (the mentor and friend who will never leave them and never forsake them). This could be in an after-school club like Crossroads or in a ministry at the church to which you build a bridge from the school. It doesn't really matter, but what does matter is that we give kids real and lasting hope, which is found only in Jesus.

And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love (Romans 5:5 NLT).