Getting Parents “In”
It’s a super tough thing for people in Children’s Ministry. Trying to get parents to jump the hurdle and just invest in their kids spiritual walk. Transitioning from a drop off mindset to one that is creatively leading their child’s spiritual journey is way more than a baby step walk. But how do we get them to step out where they may feel uncomfortable.
I think this blog from Seth Godin gives some great insight. He talks about the marketing of a unicycle. Basically you go from failure to success in what seems like an instantaneous change. It’s an incredibly great read and like most everything Seth does takes 2 minutes.
But from our side. How in the world do we “Create non-unicycle moments” for Parents? How can we get them to celebrate what may seem like a meaningless failure? How can we get them to push forward even though the only thing that continues to be in their face is failure?
What opportunities can you take to Get Parents to recognize the influence they have on their kids, while they stare in the face of failure?
Its not about you, it is about your child. Your child just wants you to be involved where they are! When parents show up, watch the kids eyes twinkle, the lights come on in most cases. Now there are some children that need separation from parents so that the children can evolve and become confiednt. If you show up, you are doing what Jesus wants , because Jesus loves the little children and doesn't approve of anyone that hurts them. The spirit will lead once they step out in faith.
Love, Mom
Totally agree! But how do we get them to take that first step? How do we get them to make that first attempt at stepping out in faith. I mean I know I sound like a used car salesman but I believe if we get someone serving in an area that they are equipped and passionate about then they will never want to leave because of the benefits for them and their family. But how do we get them to stop seeing parenting as just a bunch of failures until they are either awesome parents or still failing or to see parenting as small victories?
Anyway thanks for the comment Mom! I love you! And I totally agree that Jesus will hook up some parents that step out on faith!
You can't make them step out in faith. You just plant a seed, God does the rest. Seed planting is always your job. Just some get equipped to go to the next step. You need to do something like a volunteer where your kid is workshop. Once you meet the parents and communicate the ones that are to be involved will come around. Creativity is important here, in your case marketing. Have faith. God is always on time.
I think that is very true and excellent insight. Even parents that are expecting a child are so open to ways to parent and how God calls them to parent their child. I wonder if that would be pushing the envelope too far if we targeted expectant parents as well. Hmmm????
I don't know that we can target too early. Considering even expectant parents already have certain expectations/desires for their unborn child. I.e. good education = good college = successful career = happy life. They've set goals in their mind and they may not realize it. In our culture it is not difficult to grasp the educational goals we should have for our kids. This is only a matter of turning them onto the spiritual goals that line up with scripture. Once they know what the goal is, then we've started them on the right path.