Relating to Parents
Why would church leadership limit the participation of parents in the children’s ministry? Maybe there has been a difficult parent or psycho mom or dad
through the years that hurt the leader or the church. Try to work through that fear and open the door for ministry to parents. It starts with how you relate to parents.
The strength of our ministry hinges on the parents of our kids. Think about it! Parents are most often our teachers, sponsors, hosts, personal encouragement, and they bring their children to church and events. If the parents are on board, the kids will most likely be there.
I challenge you to consider your ministry to parents and support their spiritual growth. Remember you are a minister to everyone, not just kids. If you see growing, active parents with a commitment to Christ, give them some affirmation. Your encouragement will spur them on for even greater things. The opposite is true too. I see kids with little to no spiritual guidance. They often speak of inappropriate things they have been exposed to as well. We need to reach past the kids and support the parents. Here are a few ways do that.
Learn the parent’s names
Provide a “Parent’s Information Meeting” periodically
Send a monthly email– Parent Update
Involve parents in your ministry as teachers, drivers, sponsors, greeters, etc.
Provide seminars for parents with guest speakers
Conduct Family Nights
Plan an annual family camp or retreat
Organize a “Mother’s Tea” or “Dad’s Breakfast”
Provide resources for parents like books or websites
Help kids understand their parents
Let kids provide a “Parent’s Appreciation Banquet”
Have a parent’s panel for a kids’ lesson
Provide parent/child teaching, recreation & fellowship
Develop a parenting library
Organize parent prayer partners
Use parent permission slips
Above all— Communicate!
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