Tip #333: Partner with Parents
September 30, 2007 – 2:30 pm
In the hectic world of student ministry, it is far too easy to forget that our responsibility is to partner with the parents of teenagers to disciple their children. All too often we unintentionally set up a competitive or adversarial relationship between family and youth ministry that results in frustration for all. One way to avoid this dynamic is to be highly intentional about issues of parent communication, making personal contact to actively listen to parents about concerns and not only to communicate schedules and deadlines. These are times - either in person or by phone - to ask how you can be praying for the family, and to be supportive and encouraging to parents as they work to raise faithful kids. Don’t ask for anything during these calls - there are other opportunities to ask for volunteer help, forms and participation. Making the time to listen to parents will give you insight, but most importantly it will reinforce for them your commitment to their children. Parents want to partner with a youth minister who clearly places high value on the role of the parent-child relationship in discipleship, and it will be time well spent for all concerned.
