Can we really teach the Bible in public schools?

Yes! In 2001, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Good News Clubs vs. Milford Central School that Good News Clubs can meet in public schools in the United States after school hours on the same terms as other community groups. The Gospel has been taught freely in public schools around the world for some time. Now children in the U.S. have that opportunity too!  “The Good News Club gives the local church the way to carry the Gospel into the public school, then involve the kids and their families in your church.”-Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman, Liberty Counsel

Who teaches a Good News Club?

Concerned Christians work together, volunteering their time and energy to teach Good News Club. They are trained by Child Evangelism Fellowship to have a club that is exciting and informative so that children will want to keep coming. Teachers are asked to sign the CEF Statement of Faith and agree to abide by the policies of the organization. All volunteers are screened according to our "Child Protection Policy".

How does my church start a Good News Club?

CEF brings the curriculum, training, support, and encouragement. We provide liability insurance, background checks for volunteers, and help working with the schools. The church provides the volunteers, prayer, finances, and follow-up with the children and families.

1.   Contact CEF and talk with a Ministry Coordinator about how to put together a plan and some of the specifics.

2. Start by talking to your church (and other churches, if that is necessary or desirable) and getting a team together. I recommend you start with at least 6-8 workers.  You will need a team leader, a couple of Bible teachers, and other assistant teachers and helpers.

3. Have your volunteers fill out an application and get trained (some online and some in-person). Most of the things they learn will also apply to ministry with kids in church programs, so this will be a win-win.  It would be ideal if there were another church or two in the area that wanted to do a Good News Club and have children's workers attend the training together.

4. After the church is committed to the mission and we have a group of volunteers, we will talk with the superintendent or principal to get permission and then work out specifics of when and where. Getting permission has usually not been a problem in Oklahoma.

CEF brings the curriculum, training, support, and encouragement. We provide liability insurance, background checks for volunteers, and help working with the schools. The church provides the volunteers, prayer, finances, and follow-up with the children and families.

Johnny Hunt Senior Vice President of Evangelism and Leadership at the North American Mission Board (1 min.)

What are people saying about Good News Clubs?