In 2006, The National Church Adopt-a-School Initiative was officially formed to both train and equip churches to partner with local schools for the purpose of providing solutions for the needs of people who live in their communities. We promote family and community revitalization through church-based social services by leveraging the existing structures of both churches and schools.
Founder and President
Dr. Tony Evans is the founder and president of the National Church Adopt-a-School Initiative. He is also the founder and senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas and the president of The Urban Alternative, a national teaching ministry that reaches people through radio, TV and a wide array of teaching resources. For over 40 years, Dr. Evans has taught the Word of God to millions of people so that they might live out God’s kingdom agenda on earth.
Bringing People Together
The Separation of Church and State
The issue of the separation of church and state is usually the first question raised when promoting church-based social services in public schools. While the term “separation of church and state” does not appear in our Constitution, the 1st amendment states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ….” The original intent, as outlined by Thomas Jefferson in his letter to the Danbury Baptist Association in 1802 in which the phrase “separation of church and state” was derived, specifically referred to a separation of government infringing on the rights and freedoms of the religious, and not the other way around.
During his 2008 presidential campaign, President Obama contended that “the challenges we face today—from saving our planet to ending poverty—are simply too big for government to solve alone. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach.” [1] While President Obama did not specifically call on the church to assist in that statement, it was an acknowledgment of the dire situation our nation is currently facing.
The Implementation of Good Works
Good works that are implemented by religious organizations are in effect the exact same types of activities that are implemented by secular organizations which benefit a community. If independent public or private organizations are encouraged to serve their communities, religious organizations with social service initiatives should as well. “The United States ought to use any resource available to better communities, and if faith-based organizations are willing to provide community services with clear secular purposes, they should be encouraged to do so.” [3]
Critics of faith-based initiatives argue that it is not possible for religious organizations to separate their belief systems from their services. Yet, it is possible to offer social services to those in need without forcing religious beliefs on them. And while offering to them the potential for making a decision to seek more information about the impetus behind those who are helping.
Outreach to the community by the local church does not constitute an infringement of church and state separation. It allows the church the same freedoms of offering much needed social services as other organizations.
Church Adopt a School
The Turn•Around Agenda (TTA) is a social outreach of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship (OCBF) with a mission to rebuild communities from the inside out with comprehensive, faith-based programs and community partnerships designed to transform the lives of urban youth and families.
Get In Touch
Have questions about the initiative or just want to get started? We’re here for you.
If you would like to learn more about the National Church Adopt-a-School Initiative or The Urban Alternative, please feel free to visit our website at tonyevans.org or contact us at 1 (800) 800-3222 or use the form below
The Organization
PO Box 4000 | Dallas, TX | 75208
1-800-800-3222
