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19 Aug 2024

Building Strong Relationships with Parents and Guardians

By |2024-08-05T13:47:39-07:00August 19th, 2024|communication, Parents|3 Comments

I heard a youth pastor recently say that youth ministry would be easy if it weren’t for the parents! I know it can often feel like we are ministering to very willing students who are parented by flaky parents. I’ve certainly felt like that over my years of student ministry. But now that I’m getting older and have students in my own ministry, I’m beginning to see that those flaky parents just needed a little help from their youth pastor, especially since that parent is now me!

Here are some tips to help you build strong relationships with parents and better minister to them and their students.

Communicate Well and Often

I have seen youth pastors send out an email that announced for the first time that a retreat was happening in a month and that a $200 per student fee was all it took to sign up! As a parent, I realize I need much more time to plan things! As a youth pastor, try to make sure that you let parents know when big events will be as soon as possible. Fall retreats need to be communicated as soon as summer wraps up. Things happening in the spring should really get communicated in December. Summer camp and mission trips must have save-the-dates sent out sometime in January!

This comes from a parent who loves to hear about things frequently. Don’t just think one email is enough. Communicate regularly! It would be great to send a weekly email to parents reminding them of big and small events and even the teaching series you’ve got going on. The more you communicate, the more trust you build!

Host Parent Meetings

As a parent of teenagers, I can often feel like I’m alone in this endeavor. What helps me out is knowing that other parents are also parenting their students and going through the same struggles as I am! Parent meetings are a great place for parents to see that there are others in their church who are having the same issues.

You can also use parent meetings to remind parents of upcoming big events, let them meet their kids’ small group leaders, and get them involved in what’s happening in the student ministry! I always liked to host these during the big season beginnings—one in the fall, one in the spring, and a much more informal get-together in the summer.

Provide Parents Resources

The most frequent question I would get as a youth pastor from parents was usually something like, “Do you have any resources to help me with…?”

Knowing what resources I could send to parents was such a help for the parents who came up to me at that time. As a youth pastor, you are an expert in students. Because of that, you probably see many resources that deal with what students are going through. Keeping a list on your phone of books, podcasts, and blog articles dealing with specific issues will make you look like a rockstar when a parent has an issue they are struggling with. I have always liked highlighting resources like this during parent meetings and emails!

The more we communicate to parents and show them that we are student ministry experts, the more trust we will build with them as we minister to their students. And the more trust we have with parents, the easier time we will have ministering to their students!

16 Oct 2023

10 Tips For Your First Few Years in Youth Ministry

By |2023-10-16T07:04:15-07:00October 16th, 2023|Leadership|8 Comments

This week, DYM is hosting its amazing “First Few Years” conference!

This particular blog writer is NOT experiencing any FOMO. Not even the slightest bit. Promise. Ok maybe a little.

If you’re like me and couldn’t make it out to California, but are just starting out in ministry, here’s a blog just for you!

I know those early years can be both thrilling and challenging, so let’s dive into some tips and advice that’ll help you navigate this exciting journey.

  1. Stay Authentic: You’ve probably heard this a million times, but it’s worth repeating. Be yourself. Students can spot a fake from a mile away. Don’t try to be the “cool” youth pastor if that’s not who you are. Instead, be real, genuine, and relatable. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of effective ministry.
  2. Build Relationships: Ministry is all about people, and that means building deep, meaningful relationships. Take time to get to know your students, their families, and your fellow church staff. The more you invest in relationships, the more impact you’ll have on their lives.
  3. Learn and Adapt: Youth culture is always changing, and you need to stay up-to-date. Engage with the latest trends, music, and technology. Be open to learning from your students and be willing to adapt your approach. The more relevant you are, the more you can connect with and influence young people.
  4. Listen More, Talk Less: We often think we need to have all the answers, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen. Be a good listener, and ask open-ended questions. When you truly hear their concerns, joys, and struggles, you can offer guidance that’s more meaningful and relevant.
  5. Set Boundaries: Ministry can be all-consuming, but it’s essential to set boundaries to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take time for yourself and your family. Burnout won’t help anyone, and it certainly won’t help your students.
  6. Be Flexible: Plans will change. Events will be canceled. Volunteers won’t show up. That’s just part of youth ministry. Learn to roll with the punches and be flexible. A positive attitude in the face of adversity will inspire your students and fellow leaders.
  7. Seek Mentorship: Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Find a mentor or a more experienced youth pastor who can offer guidance and support. They’ve been through what you’re experiencing and can provide valuable insights.
  8. Pray Continuously: Remember that youth ministry is not a one-person show. Seek God’s guidance through prayer. Pray for your students, their families, and your ministry as a whole. The Holy Spirit is your ultimate guide, counselor, and source of strength.
  9. Celebrate Wins: In youth ministry, small victories matter. Celebrate the little moments of growth, connection, and transformation. These wins will keep you motivated and remind you why you’re in this role in the first place.
  10. Stay Humble: Finally, remember that you’re not perfect, and that’s okay. We all make mistakes, and ministry is a journey of growth. Stay humble, admit when you’re wrong, and learn from your experiences.

Welcome to the incredible world of youth ministry! It’s a place where you can make a lasting impact on young lives and grow in your own faith journey. These early years are a foundation for what’s to come, so embrace the adventure, and remember, you’re not alone on this exciting ride. If you ever need advice, support, or just someone to chat with, the youth ministry community is here for you. Find support on the DYM Facebook Community page or reach out directly!

Together, we’ll make a difference in the lives of our amazing students!

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