Parents Connection to Ministry

Parent involvement within a student ministry can sometimes be a sticky subject, and it can be hard to get parents to step in and help serve and lead. Many of them have full-time jobs, other kids to take care of, and about a million other things on their plate. However, parents’ involvement in their child’s spiritual life is so crucial and is even biblical(Ephesians 6:4). The Bible gives parents the responsibility to raise their children up in the ways of the Lord. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “it takes a village,” which could not be more true. The church has been given the responsibility to walk alongside parents, kids, and families in order to help one another to grow in Christ. But how do we get parents more involved in their students’ lives, especially when their child may be skeptical about always having their parents nearby? Here are three ways that youth pastors/leaders can help out parents and get them more involved in the student ministry. 

Prayer

There is power in prayer, and it is important for parents to understand this. Students are fighting so many spiritual battles that many times get pushed under the rug, and they need people going to the Lord on their behalf. Having parents that are in constant prayer over your students can make a huge difference in the softening of hearts and the opening of minds within your student ministry. Organizing a weekly prayer meeting for parents, as well as sending out weekly reminders and prayer requests for those who cannot make a meeting, would be a great idea to keep parents involved behind the scenes. (Application: Make sure that parents understand the importance of prayer by offering a class for parents on the power of praying for their kids.)

Keep Parents Informed

It is important to keep the parents of your students informed on upcoming events and studies that you will work through. Many of your students rely on their parents for transportation, and parents need to be informed in order to even get their kids to events, let alone serve and volunteer. Having a solid schedule set in place at the beginning of the year will be very helpful to parents who work and are trying to balance a full schedule themselves. If parents are given plenty of time ahead to plan, they are more likely to sign up/serve for certain events within the student ministry. Having a biannual parent meeting on everything between dates, studies, events that will take place in the student ministry can be super helpful and gets these things to parents in a timely manner. Weekly email reminders can also be utilized and can be very helpful. 

At-home Resources

The conversations and teachings that take place at youth groups don’t have to stay in the church building. In fact, they shouldn’t. It is so important that parents continue these conversations in the car, at home, and throughout the week. This gives parents the opportunity to teach their children and plant seeds that will grow into deep roots. Parents pouring into their own children is what will ultimately turn your student ministry into a group striving after the heart and Word of God, walking in obedience to Him. 

But remember that parents have a lot on their plates. Show them patience and let them know that you’re here to help, but also voice to them that they are needed! Although many parents may use the argument that their kids don’t want them there, students do need the guidance of their parents in their life. Use discernment in all situations, keeping in tune with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. You’ve got this!