Many people recognize September as the beginning of fall. September is also the month we celebrate grandparents. National Grandparents’ Day is September 9. For the last few years, I’ve noticed a trend of more and more grandparents bringing their grandchildren to church. We as kids ministry leaders have the opportunity to minister to grandparents as they have taken on this responsibility. The following ideas can be used to minister to the grandparents in your kids ministry.
- Encourage. Many grandparents may lack confidence in their ability to connect with their grandchildren. It can be as simple as listening to and encouraging them as they have taken on the role of spiritual parents to their grandchildren.
- Communicate. Communicate with grandparents as you would with parents. Be mindful some grandparents would prefer a paper copy of a newsletter rather than an electronic version.
- Pray. Ask grandparents how you can pray for them. They may have some of the same needs as other parents. They may also share prayer requests for their adult children.
- Partner. Partner with the Adult and Senior Adult ministry in your church. Introduce yourself. Let them know you are a point of contact and resource for them. They are more likely to come to you when a need arises if you’ve established a relationship. One possible need may be scholarships for kids ministry events.
During this special month of celebrating grandparents, make sure to recognize them. Celebrate them. Encourage them. Communicate with them. Pray with them. Partner with them. Love them. You never know how God will use you in their life, as they seek to be the spiritual parents to their grandchildren.
Delanee Williams serves as a Ministry Specialist with LifeWay Kids. She is a graduate of Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Delanee has served in kids ministry for over twenty years and is passionate about developing, equipping and encouraging leaders.
