WHY and HOW the Church Should Equip Parents

My wife and I are deeply connected and committed to family ministries at Grace Church.

For years, Joanna and I volunteered in Children’s Ministry. Then, in 2007, I came on staff as the Pastor of Children and Families. It was during that time that we came up with our family mission (or “adventure”):

Through exhortation and serving, to equip the next generation, including in our family, our church, our community, and our world.
After living out this adventure in Allendale, we moved back to Greenville to launch Elevate Youth. That ministry focuses on children in our community, but we are still involved in family ministries at church. I serve in Fusion (for 5th and 6th graders), while my wife and daughter serve in Preschool Big Group.

So, from our perspectives as parents and church members, we are always thinking about how we can help other parents. We wonder: What do parents need? Do they want more events, or are they overbooked as it is? What are parents’ biggest struggles and concerns? 

Timothy Paul Jones shared some great thoughts about how a church can engage families. First, he gives three truths:

1. Most parents in the church know their responsibility. 
2. Most parents are not intentionally discipling their children.  
3. Most parents are not being trained, but are willing to be.

Do you agree? If so, what do we need to do to help parents?

I’d love to hear your ideas: What does your church do to help engage and equip parents? Or, what do you wish your church would do to equip you as a parent?