How to Share Your Faith at School: A Guide for Christian Students

You are not too young

When God called Jeremiah, his first excuse was his age. God would not accept it: "But the LORD said to me, 'Do not say, 'I am too young.' You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you'" (Jeremiah 1:7).

Paul told Timothy the same thing: "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). Some of the most courageous people in the Bible were young. Your age is not a disqualification. In your school, it might be your biggest advantage.

Your school is your mission field

Your classmates, teammates and friends are your oikos — the people God has placed around you. There may be people at your school who will only ever hear about Jesus from someone their own age. That someone could be you.

Start by writing their names down. The School and Friends circles on an Oikos Map fill up fast, or print a paper one for your locker or binder. Then pray for five of them every day — here are 23 verses to help.

Live it before you say it

At school, people know you. They notice how you treat the kid nobody sits with, how you talk about teachers, what you post, and what you do on weekends. Jesus said, "let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16).

• Be kind to the people others ignore. Sit with the new student. Include people.
• Be honest — on tests, with teachers, with friends.
• Watch your words, in person and online. Gossip ruins a witness fast.
• Be a good friend in hard times. When someone is struggling, show up.
• Own your mistakes. You will mess up. An honest apology says more about Jesus than pretending to be perfect.

Then talk about it — naturally

Living it is not enough on its own; at some point people need to hear why you live this way. The good news is, at school there are natural openings almost every week:

• When someone asks what you did on the weekend, mention youth group or church like it is normal — because it is.
• When a friend is stressed about exams, family or a breakup, ask, "Can I pray for you?" Most people say yes.
• When faith comes up in class, answer respectfully and honestly. You do not need to win the debate.
• When someone asks why you believe, tell your story. How to share your testimony in three minutes.
• Ask good questions. "Did you grow up with any kind of faith?" opens more doors than any argument. Here are 30 questions that work.

Peter says to be ready: "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect" (1 Peter 3:15). Gentleness and respect are the part most people forget.

Invite your friends to something

Invitations are one of the easiest ways to share your faith at school. Many students first meet Jesus through a friend who simply said, "Want to come with me?"

• Youth group, a Friday night event, or a camp.
• A Christian club or lunchtime prayer group at school, if your school has one or allows students to start one — check your school's rules for student clubs.
• A festival or concert. Jesus Festival in Hamilton is a free, family-friendly weekend you can bring friends to.
• Your own small group: a few friends reading the stories of Jesus together. Here is how to start one.

How to invite someone without it being awkward has more on making the ask.

Do not do it alone

"Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm" (Proverbs 13:20). Find at least one other Christian at your school and pray together for your classmates by name. Two people praying for the same friends are far stronger than one.

Tell your youth leader or a trusted adult what you are doing and who you are praying for. They can pray with you, help when a friend is in crisis, and answer questions you get stuck on.

When people mock you

It may happen. Some people will laugh, argue or call you names. Remember who you belong to: "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline" (2 Timothy 1:7).

• Do not retaliate. Kindness under pressure is one of the most powerful testimonies there is.
• Do not hide either. You can be gentle and still honest about who you are.
• Remember the people who are quietly watching. The friend who mocks you in public is sometimes the one who asks you the real question later, alone.
• Get support from Christian friends and adults you trust if it becomes bullying.

When the first disciples were dragged before the authorities, people noticed something: "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus" (Acts 4:13). Ordinary is enough.

Heading to college or university?

The first few weeks of a new campus are the most open season of the year — everyone is looking for friends and figuring out who they are. Find a campus ministry or a local church in your first month, make your faith known early, and map the people on your floor, in your classes and on your team. Many students who never thought about God start asking questions in their first year away from home.