I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how I, as a youth pastor, can better support and encourage parents to be the main source of influence in their children’s lives.
As a youth pastor, I sometimes feel like little more than a babysitter. I try to get young people to see the importance of the Kingdom but sometimes it can feel like talking to thin air. I’m sure you’ve faced similar situations. But I am starting to recognize the absolutely vital importance that parents play in how kids direct their lives.
Again and again, the Bible teaches that Parents are the key trainers of their children.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6
“Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching” Proverbs 1:8
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
The research suggests that long before a teenager is comfortable to open up to a team coach, youth leader, teacher or pastor, they will go to their parents with their concerns (Mission Australia, Annual Youth Survey, 2018). As a parent, you have an incredible place of influence in your child’s life.
I know what you might be saying, “You haven’t met my teen though, they never open up to me about anything!”
Even when a young person is resisting your influence with every weapon in their repertoire, they are still secretly watching your life. If you live your life in exemplary ways, your teenager will be watching. And what they are watching will impact them in more ways than you know.
Nothing will teach your teenager better than seeing the Kingdom’s values lived out by those who are most influential in their lives – that’s you.
That’s why Collision Youth is hosting what we’re calling “the King’s Banquet” to invite parents along to youth group for a dinner and entertaining evening, all designed specially so you can see how much we value what you do with your kids every day. And we’d like to be better partners with you as we seek the betterment of your teenagers.
Be encouraged today that you are the most important person in your kids’ lives and you have an incredible role to play.
I’d love to keep the conversation going. How can we as pastors and churches better support you as the key disciplers of your children? Email: [email protected]
Ps Isaiah Logan