In the midst crazy busy schedules that demand the attention of our families, how will we add one more thing to their already full plates? We've got to intentionally plan to connect with parents on a quarterly basis.
The more we learn about Family Ministry, the more value we place on the relationships with parents in our ministry. How can we continue to foster this relationship while showing support, encouraging, and equipping these parents?
In the midst crazy busy schedules that demand the attention of our families, how will we add one more thing to their already full plates? We've got to intentionally plan to connect with parents on a quarterly basis. This won't happen on accident. If we can touch the lives of each parent quarterly, we will see the fruits of our labor as parents learn to minister in their homes.
1. Plan. Begin with the end in mind. Sit down in November and plan the following calendar year. Deliberately plan 4 "events" over the next year that will enhance/equip parents in their role as spiritual leaders.
2. Aim for 25% at each scheduled "event." In my early ministry days (and because I'm a perfectionist), I felt something was a failure that did not receive 100% participation from the families in my ministry. If I can aim to effectively influence 25% at a time, and do it well, I'll consider this a success. I can't possibly expect to include each family each time. I give myself
as leader grace.
3. Don't add more to already bogged down schedules. Plan these events when parents will already be at the church. Sundays during Sunday School or a mid-week meeting often work well.
4. Level the playing field. Allow parents the opportunity to share. Many times parents feel as if they're the only ones not leading spiritually at home. Or, perhaps they feel under-qualified to be doing so. Make sure your event allows parents the freedom to share. In so doing, other parents will realize how much they all have in common.
5. After your "event" send hand-written thank you notes. When you say thanks for attending, you let them know how important this really was and the next time they will remember how valuable their time investment proved to be. It also reminds parents that you, the leader, noticed them.
The investment of time on the part of parents has to include a large return. Make sure that whatever you do is quality, done with excellence, and equips parents to further God's Kingdom at home. Pray how God would use you to reach the parents in your ministry on a regular basis. Looking for ideas to make this practical? http://www.imaginefamilyministries.com/2/post/2013/03/practical-ways-to-equip-parents-in-your-fammin.html
How about you? What sorts of things do you do to intentionally pour into the lives of the families in your ministry?
In the midst crazy busy schedules that demand the attention of our families, how will we add one more thing to their already full plates? We've got to intentionally plan to connect with parents on a quarterly basis. This won't happen on accident. If we can touch the lives of each parent quarterly, we will see the fruits of our labor as parents learn to minister in their homes.
1. Plan. Begin with the end in mind. Sit down in November and plan the following calendar year. Deliberately plan 4 "events" over the next year that will enhance/equip parents in their role as spiritual leaders.
2. Aim for 25% at each scheduled "event." In my early ministry days (and because I'm a perfectionist), I felt something was a failure that did not receive 100% participation from the families in my ministry. If I can aim to effectively influence 25% at a time, and do it well, I'll consider this a success. I can't possibly expect to include each family each time. I give myself
as leader grace.
3. Don't add more to already bogged down schedules. Plan these events when parents will already be at the church. Sundays during Sunday School or a mid-week meeting often work well.
4. Level the playing field. Allow parents the opportunity to share. Many times parents feel as if they're the only ones not leading spiritually at home. Or, perhaps they feel under-qualified to be doing so. Make sure your event allows parents the freedom to share. In so doing, other parents will realize how much they all have in common.
5. After your "event" send hand-written thank you notes. When you say thanks for attending, you let them know how important this really was and the next time they will remember how valuable their time investment proved to be. It also reminds parents that you, the leader, noticed them.
The investment of time on the part of parents has to include a large return. Make sure that whatever you do is quality, done with excellence, and equips parents to further God's Kingdom at home. Pray how God would use you to reach the parents in your ministry on a regular basis. Looking for ideas to make this practical? http://www.imaginefamilyministries.com/2/post/2013/03/practical-ways-to-equip-parents-in-your-fammin.html
How about you? What sorts of things do you do to intentionally pour into the lives of the families in your ministry?
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