What Parents Need From Us...

This past Saturday we had our monthly Connect meeting with student ministry volunteers and one of the BIG things on the table was ministry to parents.  This is an avenue in our ministry we haven't walked down yet, but is one that is so vital to the overall success of our student ministry.  I am excited about exploring these "unchartered waters" with my team and I am so confident that this will be monumental in the life of our ministry, God has called us to not only minister to students but to be in support of their families and provide them with our available resources to better equip them in their relationships with their teenager.  So what do parents need from us as student ministry pastors and volunteers on the FRONTLINE in student ministry?

1.) Clear Communication:  The number one "felt need" in a recent survey of parents who had students involved in youth ministry was "we need communication and information."  What are you teaching on?  Who are the leaders who are influencing my kids?  What are the dates for this coming year's ski trip or summer camp?

2.) Assistance:  We need to assist parents to understand the unique world of teenagers.  As a student pastor, you are probably more of an expert on teenage culture than parents are.  Even if parents aren't all that active in your church, they typically do care about their kids.

3.) Involvement:  People will support what they help create.  I think a good sign of a healthy student ministry is having parents taking active roles.  Not every parent needs to teach, but he or she can do something.  Student need good parental role models.  I think we should ask parents for 100% involvement in one aspect of our ministry.  We may not get 100% but their is power in the ask!