Are you allowed to have a Christian club in a public school?
In short: yes.  Students do not shed their First Amendment freedoms at the school door.  The 1984 Equal Access Act provides that students attending a school with a “limited open forum”, that receives federal funding, and that has other non-curricular clubs, cannot deny a student from initiating a religious club.  Denying such club would be considered viewpoint discrimination.  

Can I use the school’s public address system to announce club meetings?
Yes.  You are provided the same rights as any other club meeting outside of class time.  For instance, if your school has a Ski Club and they announce meeting times and other activities over the school’s PA system, so can you!  Similarly, you are allowed the use of the school’s bulletin boards and school publications.  You may NOT, however, interfere with the educational process of the school.  

Can I allow only Christian students to attend my Bible Club?
By asking students to sign a faith statement or a promise to believe in Christ before they can be members of your Bible club, you are opening yourself up to claims of discrimination by the school district.

Can my youth pastor lead club meetings?
You will need to check with your school policy concerning outsiders attending club meetings.  Typically, outsiders are allowed to attend, but not on a regular basis.  Your youth pastor is likely a local “Bible expert”, and there would probably be no problem with he or she doing a lesson or two during your school year.  However, problems may arise if they take a primal role each and every meeting.  Their active involvement may give the notion that they are tasked by the school district to provide spiritual guidance, and could cause legal issues for the high school – which is NOT what you want to do. Play it safe,  ensure the students are leading the meetings.  

Although my school has other non-curricular clubs, my school principal says “No” to a Bible club, what should I do?
First, do not demand your rights in front of the school principal; your indignant behavior is not likely going to sway their decision.  Politely ask for a reason and explain that you believe having a Christian club is legal.  If they are adamant, tell your parents or youth leader.  There are a number of legal agencies, like the Alliance Defending Freedom, that can be contacted.  They will likely call and talk to the principal.  School administrators are often hesitant to allow a religious club in their school, given the politically charged climate today.  

 What should I do during Bible club meetings?
The choices are limitless!  The reason we do not have a specific format for club meetings to prescribe is because we realize that each student is granted different spiritual gifts and each location has different needs.  Maybe your club meetings need to focus on prayer, devotion, worship, or a combination.  There are too many variables to prescribe a “typical” club meeting.  However, it should definitely include prayer and God’s Word – that is unchanging.

 

Can the club required that its leaders and officers be Christian?
Yes.  As the Club Consititution and intent of the Club is to promote Christina beliefs, the club may and should required that those who lead the club be Christians.

 

Can students carry a Bible around the school and read it at school?
Students have a right to carry their Bible around school and to read it during breaks.  They do not have a right to use it in an attempt to force others to believe Christian beliefs.

 

Does an elementary school have the same rights as a high school?

No.  The Equal Access Act only protects high schools.  Consult with the ADF or the ACLJ before you venture into an elementary school Bible club.