By Marianne Liaw
“Is there still such a thing as schools’ ministry in Malaysia?” “But surely there are hardly any Christian Fellowships (CFs) left in schools today, right?”
As Scripture Union (SU) ministry staff workers, these are common questions we hear about Malaysian schools’ ministry. They reflect concerns about the state of Christian witness among students today.
But what if we told you that, by God’s grace, ministry work among students in schools across Malaysia is growing and thriving? In 2024 alone, SU staff had the privilege of supporting 13 different schools across Malaysia, leading to the formation of 13 new CFs. Across the landscape, God has been moving.
- With school diversification, new opportunities are opening up
In recent years, the rise of homeschools, learning centres, and international schools across Malaysia has created new opportunities for ministry. Many of these institutions have fewer restrictions on Christian activities, and in some cases, they are actively supportive of CFs.
In private and international schools, students may be exposed to the Gospel through chapel services, devotions, Bible Knowledge classes, and Christian events such as camps. With parental consent, these schools offer a fertile environment for discipleship. SU comes alongside these schools as guest speakers, trainers, and ministry advisors to support their ongoing efforts.
- Students are being empowered to lead their CFs
In spite of challenges in government schools, student leaders continue to play a key role in leading CFs and sharing the Gospel in their schools.
Earlier this year, SU organised the first combined Puchong-Subang-Petaling Jaya Schools’ Committee Planning Retreat (CPR), bringing together over 50 student leaders from seven government school CFs for training. We also held a similar retreat in Penang, where student leaders from 7 schools came together to be equipped.
It is encouraging to see students who are grounded in Scripture, passionate about the Gospel, and committed to serving Christ in their schools.
- Growing partnerships to bring the Gospel to students
There has been a growing trend of collaboration between Christian organisations, schools’ mission bodies, and churches to reach students with the Gospel. For example, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigade, Teachers’ Christian Fellowship, and Alpha Malaysia are partnering with Christian education bodies like the Methodist Council of Education (MCOE) to strengthen schools’ ministry.
Another example is the International Passion Week, an online event that brought together nearly 2,000 students from across Malaysia and abroad to explore Jesus’s identity, mission, and what it means to follow Him. This event was made possible through a collaborative effort of teachers, volunteers, and ministry workers from various organisations.
- Encouraging Christian teachers to lead and influence
Christian teachers play a pivotal role in mentoring and discipling students. Christian programs like Talent in Leadership are aimed at encouraging Christian teachers to take on leadership roles in schools.
The number of Christian teachers in private and international schools is also increasing, further strengthening the witness of Christ in these institutions. It’s encouraging to see many young Christian educators stepping into the profession who see their schools as mission fields, with a heart to disciple the students under their care.
- Churches are getting more involved in schools’ ministry
There is a growing shift in how churches view their role in schools’ ministry. More and more churches now recognise the importance of supporting student ministries beyond their own church’s youth programs.
One example is Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC)’s NextGen, which partnered with SU to organise the IGNITE Youth Summit. Over five years, this initiative saw students from more than 100 schools attending. Today, many of these students are serving in or seeking to start up CFs in their schools.
Additionally, some churches have opened their facilities to be used by CFs when meeting on school grounds is not possible. This partnership is crucial in keeping ministries alive.
Christian parents play a vital role in schools’ ministry. Rather than viewing school only as a place for academic learning, parents should encourage their children to actively live out their faith in school through CFs or Christian events.
Christian teachers are also instrumental in shaping students’ spiritual lives. If you are considering a career in education, teaching provides wonderful ministry opportunities to impact young lives for Christ.
Local churches can support schools’ ministry through prayer, financial giving, and volunteering. Raising awareness of the work being done in schools can also mobilise more support for these ministries.
Schools’ ministry in Malaysia is indeed thriving.
Please pray with us that the Lord will continue to raise up more labourers to work in this great harvest field. The next generation is being shaped today, and together, we can help them grow in faith.
Marianne Liaw is the Ministry Director of Scripture Union Malaysia. She has served in Scripture Union for more than 10 years and is passionate about sharing God’s Word with children and youths in schools and churches.
