FAQs
The Simple Version
- Students will leave school by bus to have lunch and Bible study with Mr. Moore and Cru at Perdido Bay Baptist Church which is a 3-minute drive.
- Students will have time for lunch and free time until the Bible study begins.
- Students will be gone for lunch and the accompanying 20-minute non-core class.
Lunch with Jesus is a ministry of Cru that offers students at Bailey Middle School the opportunity to leave campus to study the Bible and pray during lunch and the accompanying period. Students will meet an approved Cru representative at the front office and be taken by bus to Perdido Bay Baptist Church (3 minutes away). There they will eat lunch, enjoy some free time, and then have a short five minute message on a Bible passage before breaking into small discussion groups to wrestle with the meaning of the passage, how it reveals who God is, and how to apply it to their lives.
The study will be a verse by verse, chapter by chapter study of books of the Bible beginning with the book of John. The mission is to bring students to Jesus and help them to grow in their relationship with Him so that their lives reflect Him. Quite simply the goal is to help students grow to love the Lord and others. That is our Lord’s greatest commandment.
To be part of this ministry, parents must provide Cru with a signed Parent Authorization Form which will be copied and provided to the school and kept on file with Cru. Parents must also sign a Medical Release Form for each child so that Cru may know how to provide medical treatment in the event of an emergency.
What follows is an explanation of Lunch with Jesus, and the reasons it is so important.
Students in public schools rarely if ever consider Jesus. Teachers are prohibited by law from leading prayer or sharing the Bible. Because of Supreme Court decisions in 1962 and 1963, prayer and the Bible cannot be part of public education. Since God and His word have been removed from public schools there have been a sharp rise in violence, and a decline in morality and academic performance. Mental health is in a free fall and sexuality is in chaos. Our schools have become so confusing that students now struggle to know whether they are young men or young women.
In the Psalms God warned us, “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in His holy temple, the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The Lord tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates” (Psalms 11:3-5). Our schools are filled with wickedness and violence. This is a critical time to turn to the Lord. There is still hope.
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Lunch with Jesus gives students an opportunity to pray and seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways. He will hear from heaven and forgive our sin and heal our land.
Lunch with Jesus gives students a chance to grow in their faith. “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Currently, students battle to keep their faith because much of what is taught is not consistent with Biblical truth. In fact truth is in short supply as the contemporary view of truth is that it is relative. Most students believe we can all have our own truth.
Jesus dispelled that idea when He declared, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” He also taught that “God’s word is truth.” Joshua, the great leader of Israel following Moses, wrote, “Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth. Meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). Students will benefit far more from their time in God’s word than from any non-core class.
Students will miss lunch and an accompanying non-core class. One of the skills we all want students to acquire is critical thinking. However, we cannot think critically until we have a basis of truth. Students who know the truth can test everything against the truth. Since the word of God is the truth, our public schools put students at a decided disadvantage when it comes to thinking critically. Without a foundation of truth, the laws of logic are of no true value.
Without truth every argument will ultimately fail because only the truth will ultimately survive. Jesus declared Himself to be the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and the end of everything and that includes truth. Students building their lives on any other foundation than the truth will ultimately watch their lives crumble. That truth which must be their foundation is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who died on the cross to take away the sin of the world and was raised to life again by God the Father to assure us that Jesus’ sacrifice was sufficient to appease God’s wrath. Jesus said He is the door to eternal life and there is no other way to the Father except through Him. This world is not our home. We are pilgrims passing through. Jesus put it this way, “For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?” Education that ignores the heart and soul is a short sighted education.
The state of Florida has passed several statutes that guarantee parents the right to determine both the academic education of their children and the spiritual education of their children. Escambia County School District has long recognized parents’ rights to remove their children from the classroom for many reasons including religious celebrations and religious training. In question is how the school will handle students missing the non-core class. As a parent you must weigh the value of your child’s spiritual training against their grade point average in the event that the school chooses to fail students who do not attend the non-core class. We hope and expect the school will not penalize students who are receiving religious training.
This proposal was brought to the Superintendent and the School Board. It was sent to the legal department. After numerous attempts to get a decision, we have moved forward with Cru’s lead legal counsel advising that parents do indeed have the right to have their children enrolled in a spiritual training program. Current law demands that public schools neither encourage nor discourage religious training. Our hope is that the school district will recognize bible study as legitimate and valuable education and allow the bible study to be an equivalent course to the non-core class and use it as a pass/fail grade so that students are not penalized for doing bible study. It is also our hope that you will see the value in this training and be willing to do it no matter what the district decides. Looking at the price being paid around the world to follow Christ, this is indeed quite small. Jesus said we cannot be His disciples unless we count the cost. What a great lesson for young people to learn that following Jesus is not always easy and comes at a cost.
- Fill out and sign a Parent Authorization Form.
- Fill out and sign a Parent and Medical Release Form.
- Have your child sign a Student Agreement Form.
- Fill out a Lunch Form.
- Return all forms to Jack Moore (12849 Island Spirit Drive, Pensacola, FL 32506) or come to a parent meeting at Perdido Bay Baptist Church on Monday Evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 at 12600 Sorento Road beginning January 15th. Please check web site for changes.
- When does Lunch With Jesus begin? January 29th, 2024.
- Can we join after January 29th? If there is space for more students, you may enroll later. Text (719) 778-4013 to find out if there is still space for students to join. Fill out all the necessary forms listed above and return to Jack Moore.
Cru was formerly Campus Crusade for Christ that was started by Bill and Vonette Bright.
Visit the Cru.org web site for more information about Cru.
“Jack Moore has spent decades building trusting relationships with young people to inspire, teach, train, and influence their look on life. His gift is to engage young people in the important aspects of life and through sharing God’s story offer eternal and indestructible hope.”
—Bud Amundson,
Executive Director of 71Five (Formerly Youth for Christ) – Medford, Oregon
“Jack is a wonderful man of God. He was instrumental in my spiritual development as a young man. God has used him greatly to propel many lives towards the Kingdom!”
—Chris Cross,
Chaplain, Colonel, US Army Reserve
“I have had the pleasure of knowing and pastoring alongside Jack for over ten years. His passion for Jesus and the future generation is marked by consistency, boldness, and authenticity. Any community should consider itself blessed to have Jack Moore as a part of it; he is a rare treasure from the Lord.”
—Nathan Ward,
Pastor – Open Door Church – Pagosa Springs, Colorado
“I’ve had the privilege of serving teens with Jack on several occasions, and always came away amazed at his patient, loving concern for each student. His energy level was way beyond mine, and he had a natural way of making each person feel loved and welcomed. Jack Moore is absolutely gifted in youth ministry, and I would give him high recommendations for anywhere he felt called to serve.”
—Bay Forest,
Former NBA Player with the Phoenix Suns
Christian Speaker and Evangelist
“I had the pleasure of working with Jack Moore in the capacity of Southwest Colorado Christian Athletes a few years ago and was blown away by his care for his students, the mutual trust I could tell they had built and his passion to reach them with the gospel. Jack is the real deal – loving God first and loving others out of that overflow.”
—Taylor Moore,
Fellowship of Christian Athletes Area Staff (2017-2022)
“I’ve known Jack Moore for over forty years, both as a roommate and a good friend. He is a wonderful person and a strong disciple for Jesus Christ.”
—Bill Larson,
Former NFL Player (Last team was the Green Bay Packers)
EMS Lt. South Metro Fire Rescue (Ret.)
“It is without hesitancy or reservation that I recommend Jack Moore to serve as a mentor and life coach to Bailey Middle School students. I have observed Jack working with students and He is a treasure. Kids listen to him and he makes a great impact on them. You will be glad to have him as a role model for your students.”
—Tim Coleman,
Former Senior Pastor at The Point Church
“I have known and admired Jack Moore for close to ten years. His passion and ability to relate to youth has not wavered, nor has his desire to spread the salvation message to kids outside the fray. I have known him as a pastor, private school teacher, public school teacher, and friend. In each one of his roles in our community, his number one goal has been and always will be to share the gospel of Christ. His authenticity is moving to the youth he seeks out to connect with. I believe our youth see Jesus in all his fun-loving, yet heart-directed, Spirit-filled shenanigans. Jack is the real deal.”
—Lynell Wiggers,
Med Pagosa Valor Academy – Pagosa Springs, Colorado
“Jack is passionate for teens to be introduced to Jesus and that they may have great opportunities to grow in their faith. He ministers with warmth, joy, humor, and kindness that relate with youth, but make no mistake, he lives and teaches with his first priority being to make mature disciples who live and share their faith.”
—Todd Laws,
Small Town Ministry Developer – Young Life
“Jack Moore is an exemplary role model spreading the love of Jesus Christ to youth. He is extremely talented, trustworthy, and has a tremendous track record in this arena. In the seven years I worked with him, his work to spread the Word of Jesus Christ through the Fellowship of Christian Athletes was highly effective at both the middle and high school levels.”
—Chris Hinger,
Principal – Pagosa Springs Middle School (Colorado)
“Jack Moore is a godly man, trustworthy and full of integrity. Bailey Middle School is blessed to have him.”
—Doug Pass,
Ambassador for Every Man A Warrior (An International Men’s Ministry)
“Jack Moore doesn’t just mentor, he disciples. He pours into the souls of students with an unquenchable fire that is fueled by his love for Jesus.”
—Kyle Spencer,
Former Colorado High School Conference Basketball Coach of the Year and Otero College Coach
“Jack Moore and I ministered together at Pagosa Valor Academy for several years here in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. He has a heart for God and a passion to share Christ’s truths to young people. His desire to work with youth was not limited to Pagosa Valor Academy, for he was involved in ministry within the community, and the public school.”
—Stephen Porter,
Founder of Pagosa Christian Academy and Associate Pastor of Pagosa Bible Church
“Jack and Deb Moore are dedicated to the truth of having a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Titus 2:13 declares Jesus to be “our great God and our Savior.” This is a message the Moores are impassioned to share and develop with young Christians so that they will have a Christian foundation that will support them for the rest of their lives. I know this because I have been a brother in the Lord with Jack since we were children. I know Jack to have a gift of relating to precious young Christians.
—Miles Grant,
Owner of Genesis Homes, Littleton, Colorado
As someone who has devoted his life to reaching youth for Jesus, I am aware that we all want to know who will be working with our children. My wife and I moved to Pensacola in October of 2023. I have done a ton of different occupations and professions. Many were done so that I could fund my calling to ministry. Before sharing my job history, let me share a bit of my story.
I was three when my father left my mother. Pretty sure he fell for his secretary since they soon married! When I was six, my mom remarried. My step-father’s first official act was to give my dog away. Not a great beginning. He and I never saw eye to eye. At thirteen I told my mom to keep him away from me or I would leave home. I meant it. He left me alone, and for the next five years we coexisted. No relationship. Fortunately, my mom was the best ever. She loved her boys selflessly. I grew up with 5 brothers on my mom’s side of the family and two more brothers from my dad.
A look back at my childhood reveals a little hellion. No details here, but trust me I was not a good boy. In the midst of my rebellious childhood, at a church camp in Palo Duro Canyon I realized that Jesus died for sinners and that was me. On that summer night as we were descending the canyon, I was overwhelmed when it hit me that Jesus was crucified for my sins. I walked and sobbed as I returned to our cabin. That night I was truly born again.
I went from one of the worst kids to one of the best. I knew Jesus and wanted to follow Him. I was active in church, youth group, YoungLife, and part of every ministry I could find. Sadly, I lost my way when I was about 18. Sports had become my god. The Lord loved me enough to allow me to suffer a series of injuries that took me out of the sport’s world for three years. Instead of taking responsibility for what I was suffering, I blamed the Lord and did not follow Him for eight or nine years. No riotous living. Didn’t drink or do drugs. Didn’t have sex. But I am ashamed to say that I didn’t have any desire for the things of God or even Jesus, Himself.
One spring night in college I was so angry with God that I went out on the sidewalk in front of my house and yelled and flipped off almighty God. I have never flipped off a person in my life. I deserved to die that night. Thankfully, God is a God of mercy and grace. He waited for me to come to the end of myself which took years. That night finally came. I sat in front of a fire and told the Lord that I could not hear Him, see Him, or feel Him, but I was done doing things my way. I committed myself to following Him. That has been my quest for almost fifty years. I have failed Him, but He has never failed me.
I have worked with Fellowship of Christian Athletes and YoungLife. I also served as a youth pastor for many years and a pastor for ten. Before coming to Pensacola I pastored a non-denominational church in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. While pastoring I taught at a Christian school and at Pagosa Springs Middle School.
My resume is full. I taught tennis professionally, taught school, owned two small real estate companies, worked in the mortgage business, flipped homes, waited tables, worked in construction, labored on a sod farm, drove a school bus, worked in Disney World, worked on an asphalt crew, sold encyclopedias, painted addresses on curbs, coached soccer, basketball, volleyball, track, and baseball. I also wrote a book on Attitude!
My wife and I have been married for eighteen years. I was thirty-one when I married my first wife. Sadly, fifteen years into our marriage she left with another man while I was on a mission trip to Mexico. She had been unfaithful throughout the marriage. Her story explains her unfaithfulness. She had been sexually abused by two brothers. Only the Lord can heal those kinds of wounds. I don’t think she ever let Him do what only He can do. When she left I returned to Colorado from Oregon. Six years later I met my second wife. I never had children of my own. Over the years I have worked with thousands of kids. Below are a list of references and testimonials that I hope will give you a glimpse of what I have devoted my life to.
Students will meet an approved Cru representative at the front office at Bailey Middle School to be released from school.
The office will have a list of approved Cru representatives, and only those approved may pick-up or return students.
Students will be transported to Perdido Bay Baptist for lunch, bible study, and prayer.
Students who can bring their lunch should do so. If students cannot bring a lunch, lunch will be provided.
Parents who can pay for their child’s lunch will hopefully send a donation to help defray food costs.
Lunch will be served when students arrive. When students finish eating they may play until bible study and prayer begin.
When study is finished, students will be returned to school.
Lunch with Jesus is at Perdido Bay Baptist Church which is less than a mile from Bailey Middle School and a three-minute drive by bus or van.
Perdido Bay Baptist Church
12600 Sorrento Road
Pensacola, FL 32507
Perdido Bay Baptist has graciously opened their doors to Cru for Lunch With Jesus.
Once you sign a Parent Authorization Form for your child and have it notarized, and fill out and sign a Medical Release Form, he or she is eligible to participate in the lunch bible study. Because there is limited space, participation will be on a first come first served basis
Lunch Schedule
8th Grade—Meet at the front office by 11:15 to load bus. Bus will return by 12:04.
7th Grade—Meet at the front office by 12:07 to load bus. Bus will return by 12:56.
6th Grade—Meet at the front office by 12:59 to load bus. Bus will return by 1:48.
Rosters will be kept for sixth, seventh and eighth grades.
Each student will be signed in as he or she enters the bus or van when leaving the school and when leaving the church.
Each student will be signed in and sign out at the Bailey front office daily.
- Students who have more adult support in their lives are healthier emotionally.
- We are physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual beings who need to be nurtured in every area.
- When students leave campus for religious training, it reduces the student/teacher ratio.
- Studying the Bible will improve students’ reading skills.
- Studying the Bible helps students to think critically.
- Students who have spiritual input are healthier emotionally according to research.
- When students feel they have choices in their lives, it motivates them.
- Biblical values establish a positive foundation for youth to make good decisions.
- The influence of spiritual training will positively affect even those who do not leave campus.
- Florida has guaranteed parents the right to determine their children’s education.
- Florida has a statute that specifically gives parents the right to determine the spiritual education of their child.
- Parents appreciate schools working with them to achieve their goals for their children.
- Bible study provides a positive way for students to connect with one another.
- Bible study opens another door for students to share their struggles with one another and find comfort and encouragement.
- Parents of faith want their children’s faith to grow. Faith comes from hearing the word and the word comes from God.
- Jewish and Christian parents are commanded to teach their children the words of the Lord from the time they rise, all along the way and when they put them to bed at night (Joshua 6:7). Those parents have a God-given responsibility to make God a part of everything their children do.
- Religious training equips students to discern what is true and what is not. The Psalmist declared, “God’s word is truth.” In an age of relativism, it is imperative that students know truth. Moral laws are no different from physical laws. You jump off the top of the gym and you will likely die. Defy certain moral laws and the consequences are no less dangerous. Lying, stealing, killing, disrespecting parents, coveting, and adultery destroy the one who does those things and those who are the victims.
- The greatest commandment is to love God and others. Bible study equips students to love the Lord and one another. Everyone benefits. Failure to love is life’s greatest failure.
Contact
Questions? Call Jack Moore at (719) 778-4013, or send a message through the form below.
