Yes, It's True - Satan Clubs in Public Schools!

By Raul Rivera

The Satanic Temple (TST) group has launched a nationwide campaign to implement After School Satan Clubs (ASSC) in public schools. The satanic group has submitted applications to nine public school districts in the following states: Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Missouri, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. 

The purpose of the satanic clubs is to oppose after-school Christian clubs, such as the Good News Club. The satanic group website states that it is not interested in operating clubs “in school districts that are not already hosting the Good News Club.” The website also displays the message: “Donate To Help Us Counter Evangelism In Schools.” It is very concerning to view such information. When we encounter a message to target and attack evangelism, we should take action. 

We are living in a day and time when we, as the Church, need to unite together in prayer to the Living God. On a daily basis, we must intercede in prayer on behalf of our children. We are in the midst of spiritual battle over the hearts and minds of our children. 

Furthermore, we are living in a day and time when the Church, pastors, and leaders must heed the words of Jesus who states: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

Is it permitted?

You are probably asking, “Is it permitted that such satanic clubs may operate in our public schools?” In short, the answer is “Yes.”

In Good News Club v. Milford Central School, the U.S. Supreme Court determined that when the government (public school) establishes a “limited public forum”, it may not discriminate against speech on the basis of the viewpoint expressed, and any restriction imposed must be reasonable in light of the purpose for the forum. In the case at hand, the “viewpoint expressed” was religious speech by a Christian club in a public school. The Court held the exclusion of the Christian club from the school was unconstitutional. 

Additionally, a lawyer hired by the Mount Vernon School District in Washington advised school officials to allow the satanic group to start an after-school club in an elementary school. The attorney for the school district said, “If the district were to deny the application, they would face costly litigation which would not end in their favor.”

We are living in a day and time when we, as the Church, need to unite together in prayer to the Living God.

Although it may not be what a school district or Christians want to hear, the lawyer is correct. Public schools cannot give preferential treatment to one religious group over another religious group in a “limited public forum.” 

Does the satanic group have an end-game?

The satanic group is seeking to counter evangelism in our schools, but I believe they have a larger end-game to their agenda. 

In my opinion, the satanic group’s main purpose is to eliminate all Christian clubs in public schools. In support of my view, consider the following from the group’s webpage: 

“Please keep in mind that The Satanic Temple is not interested in operating After School Satan Clubs in school districts that are not already hosting the Good News Club. However, The Satanic Temple ultimately intends to have After School Satan Clubs operating in every school district where the Good News Club is represented.”

It seems as though the satanic group is attempting to provoke school administrators to eventually end all religious after-school groups from use of school facilities.

(Recommended reading: "How to Start a Church-Run School")

Think about it for a moment. Why would a school administrator want a group named the “After School Satan Club” meeting in a school? There would be fierce backlash for permitting that type of a group use of a public school. School administrators are then left with the alternative of ending use of school facilities to any religious group. 

If religious groups are no longer permitted to operate in public schools, I have a strategic solution for churches to combat the issue. 

What can churches do?

Let us imagine that religious groups (of any kind) are no longer allowed to meet in schools. Does this mean that we have lost a direct path to reach kids in our schools? Yes, to some degree, but not completely. 

First, as always, we must seek God and pray for His will to be done. At the same time, we must utilize the tools and resources that He has given us in order to be the head and not the tail.

One solution to combat the efforts of the satanic group is a community development corporation (CDC). A CDC is established separate from the church, and it is commonly created as a nonreligious nonprofit corporation. 

Now you may be thinking, “How does this prevent the denial of access to public schools for religious organizations?” It does not. But it still provides a way for churches to evangelize. Allow me to explain. 

On paper, the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the CDC do not contain any language that sets it apart as an exclusively religious organization. To the contrary, it is set up as a secular nonprofit organization that offers services to the general public. Here is how the CDC provides the answer: it is staffed or operated with church members and volunteers, thus ensuring that the gospel of Christ keeps spreading!

Your church can create a nonprofit organization that operates as an after-school club to help kids with homework and teach them how to make smart decisions in life. Because you would recruit and rely upon your church members to operate the organization, an opportunity to minister to the kids in the club still exists. Although the CDC is not an exclusively religious organization, it can still accomplish the purpose of evangelism.

Now, there is only one question to ask.

Will you take action?

We must remember the words of the Apostle Paul when he implored us to “pray without ceasing.” My prayer is that this article will awaken you to continually pray over the hearts and minds of the children in your community.

For some of you reading this article, the concept of a community development corporation has struck a chord deep within your soul. Maybe this strategy has been stirring within you for a while, but for the first time you are able to identify it. Perhaps you have been waiting until the time is right to take the next step.

Now is the time for you to take that next step of faith and start a community development corporation! I encourage you to give us a call at 877-494-4655. One of our staff members will explain the process and answer your questions. 

Also, please know that the community development corporation is a topic and strategy that we cover in depth at all of our conferences. You can click here to register. We would love to have you join us!

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