Wisconsin is one of a few states that have a “release time” law. This law requires that schools allow students to leave school for up to sixty minutes each week for religious instruction. A survey by a company providing resources for such instruction showed that the vast majority of parents recommend their children enroll in the program, and sixty-five percent of teachers acknowledge that release time positively influences students’ outlook, attitude, and motivation.
This is an incredible but very underused opportunity for churches to encourage and challenge young people in public schools while instructing them in biblical truth. Some schools may resist, but by law they have to allow students to participate in release time. A dedicated and persistent youth pastor could make a huge difference in a community by sponsoring this program.
