Ministry to Parents

I don’t know about you, but I can sometimes get a little discouraged in ministry. I’m often not sure how much of what I am doing really resonates with the teens and parents that I have the opportunity to lead. They are so busy running in the rat race of life, and it seems like many of them have a hard time slowing down and really embracing the life that God has for them. They get caught up in the pressures of school and sports, get distracted by technology and social media, and fail to set aside the time and space they need to nurture a faith that will support the struggles of life.

As kids head into their older elementary, adolescent, and teen years, other people’s influence in their lives increases in importance. Because of this natural transition, it’s vital for us to assist our kids in connecting with quality mentors before they head into the next phase of life.

Encourage your teens to be active in your church and youth group and to be proactive in building relationships with the leaders. We all need people who are ahead of us in life and faith to support and encourage us along the way, and the sooner our kids learn and embrace this truth, the better off they will be.

One of the best places to encourage mentoring connections for kids is through children’s ministry. Volunteers who are called, equipped, encouraged, and trusted make great mentors. The most beneficial mentoring relationships are those that naturally grow over time out of regular interactions.