top of page
Search
Writer's pictureCommunications ACFG

Beyond the School Day: How A City for God is Building Lasting Connections

Updated: Dec 19, 2024


ACFG Chaplain team

This year, A City for God (ACFG) chaplains are impacting over 5,000 scholars each week during the school day. From leading chapels and Bible studies for staff to reaching out to families, they are the hands and feet of Jesus within schools. But their ministry doesn’t stop when the bell rings—ACFG’s work extends beyond the school day, connecting students, families, and staff to faith and lasting discipleship.


Jesus in the Afternoon for Me (JAM Session): After-School Faith Building


Every Tuesday and Wednesday, students from Shining Star Christian Schools stay after school for Jesus in the Afternoon for Me (JAM Session). For 60 minutes, Pastor Paul Steinberg teaches the Bible and prepares students for church membership in a fun and engaging setting. With snacks and beverages in hand, students embark on a three-year journey equivalent to a traditional Lutheran Elementary School catechism class.

The impact has already been significant:


  • One student was recently confirmed, and her family joined the church.

  • Eleven more students are on track to be confirmed over the next three years.


This program is revitalizing youth discipleship at Fairview Lutheran Church, which had not celebrated a youth confirmation for many years.


Out-of-School Ministries: Strengthening Faith Beyond the Classroom


In addition to JAM Session, ACFG chaplains are leading and launching several impactful out-of-school ministries:


  • Kingdom Men: A Saturday ministry for young men, focusing on faith, leadership, and personal growth.

  • Chosen Generation: A vibrant praise dance ministry for students.

  • New Ministries Coming Soon: Later this year, ACFG will introduce a youth choir and another after-school Bible instruction class to expand their outreach.


ACFG chaplains also engage male school staff by inviting them to events like the Milwaukee Men of His Word Conference, officially sponsored by A City for God. These initiatives are key to fostering deeper connections and lasting discipleship that extend beyond the school day.


Your continued financial gifts are making these ministries possible. Thank you for connecting middle school students to Jesus and local congregations!


Thank God for Partners Like the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT)


A City for God’s mission wouldn’t be possible without its ministry partners. While ACFG does not own schools, churches, or buildings, God has blessed them with partnerships that extend their reach. ACFG is connected with:


  • 14 schools

  • 2 congregations

  • 1 after-school program

  • The Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT)


A Strategic Partnership for Ministry Growth


ACFG’s partnership with the Center for Urban Teaching (CfUT) has been transformational. Under the guidance of Mr. Mike Murphy from the Kazdex Foundation, ACFG began working with CfUT in its second year of ministry. This collaboration has created opportunities for training chaplains, reaching educational leaders, and expanding ACFG’s scope.

In the past seven years, ACFG has trained 53 chaplain interns through CfUT’s summer programs. All of ACFG’s current school-year chaplains participated in at least one summer internship before joining full-time.


Celebrating CfUT’s 10 Years of Leadership Training


Recently, ACFG celebrated alongside CfUT as they marked the 10th anniversary of their Leadership Training program. Through this initiative:


  • Dozens of teachers have earned their Master’s in Educational Leadership from Wisconsin Lutheran College.

  • 30 program graduates are now principals in high-performing schools, many of which have requested ACFG chaplains.


The partnership has most recently extended to UP Christian Academy, which has added an ACFG chaplain to their team.


Impact by the Numbers: CfUT Summer School Program


This past summer, the CfUT program:


  • Hosted 250+ teachers and leaders.

  • Supported 19 school sites and 1,500+ K-8 students.

  • Welcomed educators from 83 colleges and universities, 33 states, and 20 countries.


Chaplains not only served this diverse group but also built relationships, grew their skills, and expanded ACFG’s ministry reach.


Your Support Makes It Happen


The work of A City for God—during the school day and beyond—is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. Your gifts are equipping chaplains to bring the gospel into schools, communities, and families, building lasting connections for Christ.

Thank you for your prayers, support, and partnership in this life-changing ministry. Together, we are connecting students to Jesus and building stronger communities of faith!


How You Can Help


If you would like to support A City for God’s chaplain program or help grow their out-of-school ministries, consider giving a monthly gift or increasing your current contributions.

To learn more or direct your gift to a specific program, contact:Tamisha ClarkPhone: 916-385-3373Email: TClark@ACityForGod.org


Share This Story


Help us spread the word! Share this article with friends, family, and your community to inspire others to support the mission of A City for God.

6 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page