Ministry Today

Jonathan Cliff: Affirm the Parent

Details

Written by Jonathan Cliff

We can create relevant environments and put our leaders in the best possible position to start relationships, but it’s imperative to remember that for all our children and many of our teenagers, it’s the parent who brings them to church.

Here are 10 ways to affirm parents who attend your church each week:

• Tell them you’re glad they are there
• Smile
• Find something (anything) to encourage them with
• Tell them their family is beautiful
• Help them find their way around
• Remember their kids’ names
• Smile
• Make everything secure and safe, but keep it friendly (see No. 2 and No. 7)
• Help them look awesome in front of their kids
• How about just saying, “I am so glad you chose to bring your kids to (insert church name) this weekend. I know it’s not always easy, and I appreciate what you did.”

It’s hard to get your family to church sometimes, and ALL of those parents who attend are acceptance magnets. Give them what all of us are looking for … acceptance and affirmation.

Jonathan Cliff is the Director of Family Ministries at Athens Church in Athens, Ga. He is a huge advocate for the family and believes that the family is God’s primary way of reaching the world. Cliff has been named one of the Top 20 kids’ ministry leaders to watch by Children’s Ministry Magazine and serves on the Board of Directors for the International Children’s Ministry Network.

For the original article, visit jonathancliff.com.