Chicken Nugget Ministry

How to visit students effectively during school lunch

You walk into the room, and every eye is upon you. Who is this intruder? What is he doing here? You see people look at you and then turn to talk in hushed tones, and you just know its about you. You feel out of place, like you are showing up to a wedding in a Hawaiian shirt and sweat pants.

Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? In reality, this is what you face every time you enter the schools for a lunch visit with your students. Seem excessive? Overly self-conscious? Maybe I exaggerate a little (after all I want to keep this humorous), but not by much. Its a tough task. You are invading their turf, and students are very protective of their turf. Yet, I have found that lunch visits are one of the most effective ways to connect with students in our group and get to meet their friends.

When I first entered ministry, I knew that I probably should visit the students at lunch, but I was afraid. My fear was mostly based on ignorance. I didn’t have a clue what to do or how to act when I got there. I had seen many youth ministry resources that expressed the importance of such visits, but they never told you how to do it.

I allowed fear to rule my actions for quite a long time. But, a few things changed my perception. For starters, I was talking with a ministry friend one day and they talked about a “divine appointment.” In other words, God has set some appointments for you each day to minister to people, but you need to be faithful and walk into those appointments. How many appointments with students who needed Christ had I missed because of my fear? Secondly, I was encouraged by the fear of others. I read several books by guys like Doug Fields, Jonathan McKee, and several others, and in each of them they expressed FEAR at going into the lunch room. I thought, “If they were afraid, I guess I’m in good company!” So I did it. It wasn’t easy at first, and there were many days I went home feeling like a complete moron. But, after a few weeks, I got into a rhythm. My students were happy to see me, and I got to meet their friends and sometimes just random students. Over time, I found those connections I made to help our youth group extend its reach and make an amazing difference for Christ.

Here are a few tips on how to effectively get into the schools for lunch and use it for maximum effect.

Meet School Officials

Just showing up and waltzing into the school is not a great idea. Schools frown on strangers wandering the halls. Get to know the administration, and make sure its cool that you visit during lunch. Check for rules that you need to know about. For example, some schools won’t allow you to bring in food. Some might require you to sign in or have a visitors pass. Whatever you do, go out your way to not be a problem. After all, the school does not have to allow you in. Their primary goal is education. Don’t ruin it for yourself and others (and damaging the cause of Christ) by flaunting the rules.

Go the same day

I always went to the Middle School on Tuesdays and the High School on Wednesdays. At first, most of the students ignored me. After a few weeks, though, I was getting the question, “Why are you always here on Chicken Nugget day?” After a while it was noticed when I WASN’T there. When you have a regular schedule, you become a part of the landscape. Also, having a set day makes it harder to not go. It’s difficult to ignore that appointment you have every week, and your students will let you know when you’re missed.

Connect with all your students

If possible (depending on school size and youth group size), it’s a good idea to take a few minutes and stop by each student. Just swing by, say hi, and ask how they are doing. You don’t have to have an in depth conversation, just make a connection. If they seem receptive to talking with you, grab a seat and talk a little longer. If not, just say, “Well, great to talk with you, have a great day!” Even if they don’t talk to you, they at least know that you care.

Meet your students’ friends

When you make contact with your students, you’ll often get weird looks from their friends. That’s ok, you’re the grownup that is talking with teenagers. Just say “Hi, how are you?” and move on. Don’t force the issue, but keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities to connect.

Have ice breaker questions ready

In Jonathan McKee’s book “Connect” he suggests having a list of questions prepared to open up communication when you meet new students. We’re not talking questions like, “What do you think of the current economic crisis as it relates to teenagers?” but more like, “Hey man, you’ve got a basketball jersey on. What position do you play? How’s the team this year?” Having some ready to pull out of your hat can be helpful, rather than stammering around saying, “Uh…do you like…stuff?” Here are a few suggestions –

“What’s your favorite TV show?”
“Do you play any sports/instruments?”
“Have you seen {insert newest movie}?”
“What class do you have next?”
“Any big plans for the weekend/holidays?”

Remember names

As you get to know students, you’ll begin to pick up names. REMEMBER THEM! Nothing will thrill a teen more than remembering their name (well, except maybe bringing them a pizza). It communicates that you think they are important and valuable.

If you are in the schools, great! Keep up the good work (and maybe befriend another youth minister who doesn’t go and show them the ropes!) If you aren’t, give it a chance. Go once a week for a month straight, and see how it benefits your ministry. More importantly, see how it benefits God’s kingdom as you minister to these teens.