It looked like we were prepared for last years parent meeting. Some quality table decorations. Some delicious snacks. The only thing missing? PARENTS.
Not kidding: We went all out for a parent meeting…and had 2 parents show up. Want to know what we learned? Well, the big one was to make sure that the email actually went out and the announcement was actually mentioned in big church. Here are the others!
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99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers by Walt Mueller of CPYU
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Don’t create parent ministry in a vacuum.
Talk to parents and see what they would like or need. The last thing you want is to create an event or program they feel they don’t need. Trust us, we’ve done that several times and it’s humiliating. Talk to some core parents, and some on the fringe, and ask them to give you a perspective of what would be beneficial to their family.
Pick the low-hanging fruit first.
You could probably start a text message list quickly and cheaply and take a huge leap forward. Maybe start a blog that shares what you taught at youth group last week—maybe with a few discussion questions for parents to follow-up with during the week. As you come across great resources for parents, consider posting a list in the church bulletin board (virtually or the one in the hallway). Start with a couple easy things to begin partnering with parents.
First…focus on the obvious.
Before you accomplish some grand vision of partnership with parents, think about the obvious places parents are looking for help: The transition from elementary school to junior high, from junior high to high school, and from high school to college are all massive for parents.
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99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers by Walt Mueller of CPYU
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When their child starts taking sports seriously, starts working for the first time, or has his/her first serious relationship. If a family is going through a divorce, death or other traumatic event, there are lots of obvious, and very natural, places for you to begin ministering to parents without the formalities of meetings and newsletters!
Where have you found success in a young parent ministry at your church?