SEE YOU AT THE POLE
See You at the Pole (SYATP) started in Burleson, Texas, in 1990 and is now a global movement of Christian students, burdened for their schools and classmates, who gather around the flagpole early in the school year for a time of prayer and worship.
For some students, this may be their initial opportunity to take a stand for their faith with their peers in an environment that is safe. It is an opportunity for parents and youth leaders to encourage students to pray for their classmates and for their teachers. Although this must be a student-led event, parents and other adults can stand in a circle around the students as a show of support and to pray for them.
Students are facing greater challenges to their faith than ever before. Some will be attending schools where the leadership is very anti-Christian. Some will sit in classrooms with teachers who will challenge their faith or teach things totally contrary to biblical truth.
We need to stand with our students. Support them. Encourage them and help them navigate these challenging times.
Plan ahead:
Inform your principal about See You at the Pole
Decide the time you will gather, if different from the nationally publicized time
Decide where you will gather
Make an alternative plan should weather be an issue
Invite Christian organizations to join you
Help students promote See You at the Pole
Consider partnering with other churches and coordinating your meeting times
There is a complete list of resources and guidelines on the SYATP website.
Consider having adults from your church stand with the students as they gather at the pole. While they can’t formally participate, having an adult standing behind a student can be very encouraging. Pray for God’s presence at each of these events and pray for a move of His Spirit in the schools.
In addition to participating in SYATP, consider prayer walking the campuses of schools where the students in your church attend. In some cases, principals will allow you to come into the school before school begins and prayer walk the halls. These are great opportunities to impact the next generation.