Episode 84
RYM 084: Working With Parents In Youth Ministry (Why It Doesn’t Seem To Be Working And What You Can Do About It)
If we’re being honest, oftentimes connecting with the parents of our students feels tedious and unproductive. But, as much as we might like to solely work with our students, the truth is, parents are the most influential people in our students’ lives. In this episode, we’re talking all about what to do when partnering with parents doesn’t seem to be working and what you can do to provide parents with resources, build trust, and equip your small group leaders to do the same.
Voices In This Episode
EPISODE RECAP
- Why we should bother partnering with parents in our youth ministry (1:19)
- What the current makeup of a typical American family should mean for youth ministries and how we partner and connect with families (11:03)
- How to have balance between believing your students and having an open opinion about their parents (19:43)
- How to partner with parents of different backgrounds (21:19)
- How to help small group leaders and volunteers effectively step into the worlds of students and parents (25:34)
- How to build trust with parents (31:18)
- How to resource parents (43:36)
QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE
Parents have more influence than we'll ever have as church leaders, and parents matter far more than many of us think. —Kristen Ivy Click To TweetAs youth leaders, we need to be students of what’s happening in the lives of parents. —Kristen Ivy Click To TweetAsking parents QUESTIONS can help you get a pulse on what’s happening in your youth ministry. Ask parents, “What do you need from me? What’s going on in your kid’s world? What’s going on in your world?” —George Lin Click To TweetYouth leaders: Define your relationship with parents over and over again. Remind parents you’re on the same team. —Crystal Chiang Click To TweetThe easiest way to build trust with parents is to communicate consistently, clearly, and concisely. —Brett Talley Click To Tweet
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE
Book: It’s Just A Phase by Reggie Joiner and Kristen Ivy
Books: Phase Guides
Podcast: RYM 063: How To Help Teenagers And Parents Connect About Life And Faith At Home
Podcast: RYM 047: Building Parent Buy-In For Your Youth Ministry
Podcast: RYM 049: Why You Should Never Talk About Purity Again In Youth Ministry
Podcast: RYM 013: How To Talk About Sex And Dating With MS And HS Students
Join the Conversation