As a youth worker, communication is key. We must consistently put our plans, schedules, and programs in front of parents. The view of your ministry will largely be determined by how well you communicate with parents.
A failure to communicate will lead parents to two conclusions: 1) You don’t have a plan. 2) You don’t care.
While these might be furthest from the truth, what good can come from a failure to communicate?
Moment of Honesty: I haven’t always been the best at consistent communication. In some seasons my team has thrived at communication and had parents and leaders commend our efforts. In other seasons, we have failed miserably at communication and had parents unsure what to even think about our ministry!
Regardless of your past performance, what matters most is how you move forward. Resolve to communicate clearly and consistently. If you want to win with parents you will need clear, concise (don’t over communicate), and consistent communication.
With that said, here are 8 Ways to Communicate Youth Ministry Plans:
- Student Ministry Stage Announcements – don’t expect students to tell their parents!
- A Parent Email or Newsletter – build a list using MailChimp…you’re welcome.
- The Adult Service Bulletin – only use for major events & have a presence over the course of multiple weeks…it’ll take that long for them to see it!
- Text Messages – Make a student list & a parent list. Want it free? Use Remind…you’re welcome again.
- Want the entire list? Get the Cheat Sheet…print it off, put it on your desk…you’re welcome again!
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David Hanson: Texas native, Texas Tech Red Raider, M.Div. at Truett Seminary, husband to Ashley, father to Ava, Ben & Madelyn, Student Pastor at The Fellowship in Round Rock, Tx, table tennis (ping-pong) extraordinaire, addicted to coffee. For anything else…you’ll just have to ask.
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