Here for It: A Reading Plan for Ministry Leaders and Humans Investing in the Faith of the Next GenerationSample

It's no secret that while being a parent is one of the best jobs in the world, it can be . . .well . . .a lot. After all, the task list never ends:

• Drop-off and pick-up
• Diapers that pile up (and cost a lot)
• Meals that won’t make themselves
• School projects that require participation
• Games, recitals, and competitions to get to

All of this and parents feel the immense pressure to raise a socially and morally responsible adult.

Whoa! Talk about a tall task.

This is why what you do as a ministry leader to partner with parents matters so much.

At most, we’ll get 40 hours a year with kids and students. At home, that number will be closer to 4,000 hours.

This alone shows us that parents/guardians/caregivers are the single most influential people in a kid or teenager’s life.

So, will we ever be able to replace what they do? Of course not!

But, we can partner with them as they raise the next generation.

We can choose to be here for parents by. . .

• Providing another caring adult in the life of their kid (like a small group leader)
• Resourcing them with reminders and advice they need most
• Championing them and their relationship with their kids
• Communicating with them regardless of their response

As ministry leaders who see the value of the light of the church and the heart of the home, we choose to see our ministry as a ministry for kids/students, volunteers, and parents.

When we choose to be here for parents, we choose to invest in the single most significant influence in the life of a kid.

So, if we genuinely want to invest in the faith and future of the next generation, we will invest in those who influence them most!