12 Back to School Ideas for Church Outreach Events

Millions of students and teachers are returning to school this time of year (or going to school for the very first time).

This transition can be a big challenge for many families. But its also a great opportunity for churches and followers of Jesus in our churches to provide the support, encouragement and friendship many in our communities need.

So we put together…

12 Back to School Ideas for Church Outreach Events

1. School Supply Drive/Giveaway: Organize a campaign to collect school supplies and back packs for students in need. Then organize an event, in which you give away the school supplies you’ve collected.

2. Back-to-School Bash: Throw a fun event with games, music, and food to celebrate the new school year and build community among families. You could combine this with the school supply giveaway event.

3. Prayer Service: Designate a specific weekend worship service in which you pray for students and teachers.

4. School Prayer Walk: Arrange a prayer walk around local schools to pray for students, teachers, and administrators as they start the new year.

5. Tutoring Program: Create a tutoring program where church members can volunteer to help students with their homework and studies. Schedule specific afternoons or evenings where tutoring is available.

6. Tutoring Option 2: If organizing a tutoring program within your church doesn’t seem like the best option for your church, another option is to encourage church members to participate in existing tutoring programs in local schools.

7. After-School Club: Start an after-school club where kids can gather for snacks, games, and a safe environment while they wait for their parents to pick them up.

8. Parenting Workshops: Hold workshops for parents on topics like effective communication, setting routines, and managing stress during the back-to-school period.

9. Parent Activities and Support Groups: This is a great time to start a Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPs) group at your church, moms bible study, or life groups for parents that have kids around the same age.

10. Community Clean-Up: Coordinate a neighborhood clean-up day where church members and local families work together to clean up school grounds and surrounding areas.

11. Adopt Classrooms or Teachers: Teachers and students don’t just need help and encouragement one time at the beginning of the school year, but throughout the entire school year. Some schools have “adopt a class” programs, in other cases you may be able to support specific teachers you already have a connection with. It’s an opportunity to pray for them, volunteer, and provide classroom supplies when needed.

12. Pack-a-Sack: Most schools provide free or reduced cost breakfasts and lunches, but some of those students end up going hungry over the weekends or holidays. Churches can organize a “pack a sack” program, which gives students a back of snacks to take home each Friday.

Together, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus to the children, parents and teachers in our communities.

No matter which Back to School church outreach events your church chooses, you’ll also want to promote those events online. Rather than share the same strategies at the bottom of every church outreach ideas article we write for every season and holiday, we’ll just point you to…

7 Ways to Promote Your Church Outreach Event Online

And if you’d like some help with a church website builder, church web design or church SEO so you can have your best Back to School outreach ever, fill out the form below to schedule a call.

Comment and Discuss

• What Back to School outreach event(s) is your church planning?

Want more church outreach ideas?  Church Outreach Ideas & Events for Every Holiday and Season

Continue reading: Making the Most of the “Back to School” Season