Tip #77: Work Together
February 25, 2008 – 11:42 am
Communicating with the parents of the kids in the church - whether or not they are directly or regularly involved in the youth ministry - is one of the make or break aspects of the youth minister’s job. Churched or unchurched, uninvolved or super-involved, parents in this murky culture we live in need to know that you, your adult volunteers, and the teachings, spaces and activities of the group you lead will do no harm. This is a big machine concept, and the kinds of information that communicates “this ministry has the well-being of your child among our priorities” comes in a number of small parts.
- Details - share as much detail as you have with parents about times, places, activities and locations; then stick to it as closely as possible or communicate why you’re not.
- Protect - share the training you and your team members have - such as trip chaperones who’ve received sexual misconduct awareness/prevention training, CPR and first aid; or team training, continuing ed., degrees and professions for those who teach and disciple students. Do this matter-of-factly (read, not for kudos) and whenever appropriate.
- Value - share the load of praying for students with parents. Get together with each student’s parents and share how you pray for their child, listen to how they pray for their child, and pray for their child together. Communicate that discipling their child alongside them is a privilege you treasure.
- Encourage - mention the positive characteristics and potential of individual students to their parents. In the midst of one of the most challenging times of life for the teen and the parent it’s a huge blessing to hear what’s good and right and of value.
It’s easy to focus on the hard parts of the parent-youth worker relationship. However, sharing these kinds of details with parents will help both of you see the value of the students you share with them for a season of life.
What are some ways you can build parent trust and relationships? Leave a comment or submit a tip of your own by clicking here.
One Response to “Tip #77: Work Together”
I agree totally. What I find works is to hold a parent information night once a year and present some of the key features of the youth ministry and begin to encourage dialogue. The aim is to ensure the parents that we both have the same goal in mind - the best possible life for their son/daughter and we are not in competition.
By Nigel on Mar 1, 2008