“But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare” (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
One of the keys to growing a prevailing church is the ability to effectively serve and partner with your local school system. Led by Senior Pastor Derwin Gray, few churches do this as effectively as Transformation Church in Indian Land, SC just outside of Charlotte.
If you are a regular reader of this site, then you know that Transformation is one of my favorite churches. I also think Pastor Derwin is America’s leading voice on multi-cultural, multi-generational ministry. When you watch this short video, you will understand why I feel this way.
You will also notice the following 18 practices of highly effective churches who partner with their local schools, which I personally learned from the video:
1. Make Serving Local Schools A Priority
Pastor Derwin and his team went to the schools. They did not wait for the schools to come to them.
2. View Serving Schools As Part Of Their Mission
As Executive Pastor Paul Allen pointed out, the leadership felt that as a multi-cultural church, they were strategically placed near a school represented by 32 different countries.
3. Value Personal Relationships With School Leadership
Transformation took the time to develop relationships with and publicly recognize the contributions of Principal David McDonald of Indian Land Middle School and Assistant Principal Steven Puckett of Indian Land Elementary School.
4. Celebrate The Achievements Of Their Local Schools
Pastor Paul was quick to note that Principle McDonald was recently named South Carolina’s Middle School Principal of the Year and gave the church an opportunity to honor him as well.
5. Know The Needs Of Their Local Schools
Pastor Paul made the congregation aware of the school’s need for a Kindle Lab.
6. Support Local School Programs
Transformation is making a long-term commitment to the I Lead Program, a three-year male leadership initiative.
7. Are Deeply Invested In Their Local Schools
To effectively serve local schools, you must be involved in multiple initiatives, not just one-time events. Transformation has served in School Staff Appreciation, Lunch Buddies, and tutoring programs among others.
8. Believe In Their Local Schools
Pastor Paul said, “We believe in what God is doing in our Indian Land School System.” Pastor Derwin later added in his first words, “We believe in your guys.”
9. Are Extravagantly Generous To Their Local Schools
Because of the generosity of those who attend Transformation, each school was presented checks for $10,000. WOW! In addition, I was impressed with the genuine embraces and prolonged applause that followed.
10. Are Genuinely Excited About Their Local Schools
“We are excited about what God is doing in our school system” are not just words. Transformation demonstrates this by their actions.
11. Publicly Pray For The Individual Schools In Their Area and Its Leaders
12. The Success of Highly Effective Churches is Directly Tied to the Success of Their Local Schools
Much like the words of Jeremiah 29:7 written above, Pastor Derwin clearly communicates that “If our community doesn’t get better because Transformation Church exists, then we have failed.”
13. Think Long-Term
The leadership of Transformation Church desires to have a long-term relationship with their local schools. As Pastor Derwin acknowledged, “We look forward to the continued relationship.”
14. Are Thankful For Their Local Schools
Pastor Derwin prayed, “We thank You (Jesus) for these men, the teachers, and the students they represent.”
15. Believe Local Schools Are A Blessing
Many church leaders and Christian parents mistakenly do not value the public school system. As Pastor Derwin prayed, “We ask You to bless them to continue to be a blessing.”
16. Believe In The Next Generation
Pastor Derwin has a great vision for the next generation. "We believe the students, boys and girls, will one day grow up to be men and women that change this world.”
17. Count It As A Privilege To Partner With Local Schools
“We thank you for the honor and privilege to be able to partner and be in relationship with the Indian Land schools.”
18. Most Of All, Highly Effective Churches Who Partner With Their Local Schools Are Excited About Jesus
I love how Pastor Derwin closed, “Jesus, You continue to take our breath away.” Pastors and church leaders, when is the last time Jesus took your breath away?
You can now see why Transformation Church is one of my favorite churches.
Pastors and church leaders, after watching this video, what is one thing you can do TODAY to better serve your local school system?