Youth Ministry and Parent Involvement - Chad Phelps

Parental involvement is incredibly important to the success of youth ministry within the local church.  For those teens whose parents remain actively involved in the church, several important factors must be considered.  These factors frame the paradigm through which the rest of youth philosophy should be viewed.  It is important to realize that every aspect of youth ministry should be framed against the backdrop of strong parental support and cooperation. Consider the following:

• Parents, not youth leaders, are ultimately responsible for the discipleship and spiritual maturity of their children (Duet. 4:9-10; 11:18-19; Prov. 29:17; Eph. 6:4).

• Youth leaders should work closely with parents in order to accomplish the common goal of Christ-like maturity.

• Youth leaders should offer support to parental authority that is biblical in nature, seeking to “turn the hearts of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6).

• Youth leaders should seek to maintain strong, open lines of communication with parents, and vice-versa, in order for concerns to be shared freely and openly.

• Intentional, regular meetings should be scheduled between the youth leaders and parents in order to foster an environment of open communication, keep parents in formed on issues that youth are facing, offer encouragement, and reiterate youth philosophy.
  

The above list is not exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, but it does serve to form a solid, structural framework. Successful youth ministry cannot take place without the cooperation of both parents and youth leaders.

Written by Chad Phelps

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