I had an interesting conversation yesterday with 2 of my Altar Servers. One announced that he was an Atheist and then the other started having a go at him, calling into question why the boy was in the school and why was he in the chaplaincy, and shouldn't he just leave.
In due course I would love to minister to the angostics in the school by having a little open minded "agnostics R us" discussion group. But my more pressing concern was the reaction of the 'believer'. I am more and more convinced of Jesus' way of doing things, he spoke to people in large crowds, told them stories, tried to make things relevant (Assmeblies); and then bumped into people and stretched out a hand of compassion and genuine concern for them as an individual whoever they were whilst also managing to challenge (wondering the playgrounds and school events). But he also spent a considerable time with a small group of disciples whom he trained to be able to go out and spread the goodnews. I am not sure how well I do this as a chaplain. I think if my 'beleiving' altar server had had a bit more advise and training from me about evangelisation and being a disciple and compassion, rather than just how to serve well at the altar then he may have engaged rather differently with the boy who announced he was an atheist.

Anyone else done any small group stuff along the lines of evangelisation/discipleship training in a school context? Any one know of any good resources?