Pastors for NC Children formed because public education is an issue that affects every community in every corner of our state. Church Leaders are uniquely situated to bring the moral authority and uplift our voices for the problems and concerns we see happening in our neighborhoods and around our communities.
As a part of the “Bible belt” in the American south, churches are already organized to cover every area and community of North Carolina. Thus as Faith Leaders of these communities, we have our eyes and ears on the issues affecting our neighbors and loved ones. Churches are concerned about their neighborhoods and communities and have their fingers on the pulse of what is happening. Pastors are ones who listen to the concerns of those around us and bring God’s Word of love and care to issues that affect our daily lives, so Pastors are often hyper-aware of the issues of those who struggle and are most vulnerable around us.
Churches often serve as a first line of care to fill needs and serve for the most vulnerable among us. Many congregations across our state are already involved in caring for their local schools through feeding programs, school supplies efforts, and walking alongside these schools as they care for our state’s children. Thus it is a natural connection, and a Biblical imperative, to extend our care and service to these school communities to address the systems that are at work to cause the root problems.
WHY SPEAK ABOUT PUBLIC EDUCATION AS THE CHURCH?
Pastors have a Scriptural Call to work to bring about Heaven on Earth as we build God’s Kingdom here and now. We are called to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. The children of NC are certainly our neighbors and deserve all the love and care we can show them. A sound basic education is the best way we can show them tangible love to help them have what they need to make the most of this life they have to live. The parable of the Good Samaritan reminds us that as Christians we are called to help where we can in whatever ways we can.
25Just then a lawyer stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he said, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 26He said to him, “What is written in the law? What do you read there?” 27He answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28And he said to him, “You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live.” 29But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. 31Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.’ 36Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?” 37He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” (Luke 10:25-37 NRSV)
13Then little children were being brought to [Jesus] in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; 14but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” 15And he laid his hands on them and went on his way.
Matthew 19:13-15 NRSV
He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8 NRSV
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an everflowing stream.
Amos 5:24 NRSV
Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor.
Romans 15:2 NRSV
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.
John 1:14 The Message
HOW CAN WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
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