Mike Gibson, a youth and children's minister in Richland Hills, Teas, says: "We pursue relationships with the parents. There is no program--just an ongoing attempt to make contact with parents to see how things are going in their families, at work, and so on. We talk to some parents when they pick up their students, and contact others by phone. When we're consistent, we can tell a difference in their attitude toward the ministry."
-From Jesus Centered Youth Ministry by Rick Lawrence (Group, 2007).
I've been reading this book lately, and have gleaned a lot of great insight on ministry. This little quote reminds me that "family-based youth ministry" isn't a program, but an attitude, or better yet, a trajectory. Sure, there will always be parents who purposefully remain detached despite our efforts, but in most family, connecting with parents goes a long way in gaining support for the ministry and helping parents learn to disciple their kids.
