23 Ways to Connect with Parents

Each of our ministries are different. We reach different cultures, races, and economic situations. No one knows your ministry better than you- YOU who are in the trenches with those you are ministering to. Below I have listed some ideas of how you can make intentional connections with the parents of the students you are ministering to. Some of these ideas may work better for you than others. As part of the Student Ministry Staff at First West, we do not put all of these ideas into action every week. Pick and choose what fits your schedule and your ministry. Do not be afraid to try new, creative ideas!

1. Print off a roster of your students and make a point to call three different families within your ministry each week.
2. Write notes to two families within your ministry every week.
3. Make a point to go to lunch with a mom during the week.
4. Have lunch with a family on Sunday after church.  
5. If you are hosting a girls event, invite moms in on the planning stages.
6. Intentionally ask a parent you see in the hallway at church their story.
7. Host a mother/daughter brunch or daddy/daughter scavenger hunt.
8. Attend sporting events and intentionally sit with families of students.
9. Make a birthday calendar. Call or send a birthday card to help them celebrate!
10. Make resources (books, RightNow Media, bible studies, articles..) available to parents in your student ministry office.
11. Connect with them on social media- most of our parents use Facebook.
12. Meet with parents once a month for a time of prayer.
13. Create a Remind101 (app on app store) for parents to keep them in the loop.
14. Use email to your advantage, but do not abuse this awesome platform for communication. Weekly emails seem to suffice.
15. Give them opportunities to serve. (greeters, life group leaders, table hosts…)
16. Visit them at their home- come bearing a token of appreciation… cookies.
17. Create a schedule for upcoming events- mail postcard, post on social media. Help them be in the know.
18. Record and post sermons. If they know what you are teaching, they can intentionally ask their students questions about the material. Discipleship happens at home!
19. Send questions in your weekly email- questions that follow up with their discussion in Life Groups.
20. Create a Spotify Playlist with songs the students are singing in worship. This is a small step to help parents connect and be in the know.
21. Ask parents about their hobbies- if a mom creates flower arrangements on the side, ask her to help assist you with table decorations at a Girls Event.
22. LISTEN to their critiques and feedback. Offer a safe environment where they feel they can share.
23. Let them know you believe in them. Encourage and affirm their God-ordained position as a parent.