Core Scripture: “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

Message: Satan loves lying to us.  He wants us to believe Christian teachers are all alone on an island.  Our voices are becoming muted.  We cannot live out our faith effectively in public schools, so why even try?  Why not just turn off the switch and hide our faith on the job? 

I used to believe that a long time ago, but I am wiser now.  I have learned that connecting with other Christian teachers in my building can be very encouraging.  From prayer groups to Bible studies even to fellowships over the summer, I have seen firsthand how important it is to connect with other Christian teachers. 

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”  What a powerful thought for us!  Christian teachers should not neglect their right to meet and pray together before or after school hours. 

Recently, I had the opportunity to meet with Jesica Glover of Kingdom Educators over Zoom.  It was such a blessing to be interviewed for her podcast, telling stories about the origin of my blog, prayer groups I have been a part of, and how Fellowship of Christian Athletes began at my old school.  I attached the link to listen below:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kingdom-educators-with-jesica-glover/id1620272025?i=1000640114801

No sooner had the podcast aired that I got an email from another fellow believer, Teresa Turner, asking if we could connect on the phone.  Our snow day today provided that perfect opportunity!  We talked about an organization she is a part of, Christian Educators, and how it could possibly bloom in the KC Metro area.  Read more about this organization on their website at https://christianeducators.org/.

None of these relationships would have transpired unless we had been open about our faith as Christian teachers.  God doesn’t want us to turn off our faith at work.  He wants us to connect, pray for each other, encourage one another, and live life together. 

Here are a few ideas to get you started …

1. Start a Christian teacher prayer group or Bible study in your classroom before or after school hours. 
2. Conduct a prayer walk with other Christians through your school.  Pray over specific areas where students gather.
3. Become a part of organizations like Kingdom Educators or Christian Educators.  Ask how you can support them.
4. Ask a colleague privately how you can pray for them.  Follow up with them later to see how they are doing.
5. Become a part of an organization like Fellowship of Christian Athletes by beginning a huddle in your building. 

There are so many ways we can live out our faith boldly all while respecting the boundaries of Separation of Church and State.  Pray about how you can play your part in living out your faith.  You are NOT alone! 

Challenge: Find a way to connect with other Christian teachers.  This may be in your building, your district, or elsewhere.  Pray for each other.  Encourage one another.  Fight the good fight together, and love each other. 

Scripture: Journal or discuss with other believers the significance of the following scripture references.

• “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.  If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.  Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?  A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
• “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17)
• “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.” (Philippians 2:2)

Prayer points: Lift up the following areas to the Lord …

• Praise God for the opportunities He gives us to legally live out our faith to be a light for Him.
• Pray that God would connect Christian teachers across the world to empower them.
• Pray that Christian teachers would no longer be quiet about their faith. 

Just for fun: This snow day gif may or may not have been me this week.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the work You are doing to unite Christian teachers everywhere!  Help us connect and encourage one another in 2024.  Amen.