6 Ways to Touch the Hearts of Parents

Second only to providing a rich environment where kids can fall in love with Jesus … is the importance of partnering with parents in this thing called Kids Ministry. Six simple observations that will help you achieve success in this category:

#1:  Minister to parents/families in times of need.

• Try to stay current on family health issues and emotional crises.
• “Be there” for families when they just need your presence, not necessarily your sermons.

#2:  Brag on their kid(s) to them.

• Send written notes to parents congratulating them on their kids successes.

• Show up at some of their kids activities.

#3:  Keep in touch.

• Text/call parents for no reason other than just to “check on them.”
• Communicate/communicate/communicate about church activities/opportunities of service for their kids and families.

#4:  Give them tools to help them be the spiritual leaders of their kids.

• Provide training on what the Bible teaches about kids and conversion.
• Make sure parents know about practical tools to help with daily discipleship opportunities with their kids.

#5:  Find ways for them to serve in your church’s kids ministry.

• Never assume that parents don’t want to teach kids. Ask them!
• Some will never teach, but, they will pray, build, bake or chaperone.

#6:  Provide ways for them to feel successful as a parent.

• Once a week send a text with a brief/simple parenting tip.
• Personally communicate with parents that you are praying for their child.

Jerry Vogel is an Editorial Ministry Specialist in Lifeway Kids. He is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University and has served over 40 years in Kids Ministry at the local church level as well as at Lifeway. Jerry currently teaches four-year-olds at his church.