By Dale Hudson

Young parents hold the future in their hands. The children they are parenting will be the next generation of leaders.

If we want to influence the next generation for Christ then we must influence young parents. They are the key shapers and molders of kids. What you do on weekends is important, but it pales in comparison to the influence parents have with their kids during the week.

1. Shift your thinking from influencing kids to influencing parents and kids. If you really want to make an impact on kids, then you must impact their parents as well.

2. Don’t negate influencing parents to something that the adult ministry in your church will take care of. Partner with the adult ministry to influence parents. Work with them to create strategies, classes, etc. that will speak into the lives of parents. And be involved in those strategies. Teach some of the classes … host some of the events … develop some of the programs.

3. Look for ways to connect with parents. Place just as much importance on connecting with parents as you do with kids. Spend just as much time talking to parents at church as you do kids.

Remember, when you reach a child you change a life. And, when you reach a parent you change a whole family.

Dale Hudson has served in children’s and family ministry for over 24 years. He is director of children’s ministries at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach, Florida. He was recently named one of the top 20 influencers in children’s ministry.

The above article, “Why It’s Important to Reach the Young Parents of Your Sunday School Children” is written by Dale Hudson. The article was excerpted from: www.relevantchildrensministry.com. web site. October 2014.

The material is copyrighted and should not be reprinted under any other name or author. However, this material may be freely used for personal study or research purposes.

VIEW OUR ENTIRE SELECTION OF MINISTRY RESOURCES FOR ISSUE 24-6

Home Bible Studies
o 7 of the Most Amazing Things Jesus Ever Said
o 5 Ways to Help Support Your Home Bible Study Teachers

Ladies
o 5 Ways to Excel in Your Ministry and Leadership
o Keys to Breaking the Bondage of Pornography

Men’s
o I Am Ashamed to Admit I Have a Problem With Pornography
o How to Avoid Being a Wimpy Mens Ministry Leader

Music
o 3 Reasons Church Choirs Are Dying
o 6 Reasons Your Musical Ability Has Stalled

New Convert
o 7 Ways to Make Yourself Invaluable to the Church Ministry Team
o 7 Reasons New Converts Disappear From the Church

Outreach
o 15 Characteristics of Today’s Unchurched Person
o 5 Steps to Reaching American Muslims for the Gospel

Prayer/Missions
o 4 Ways to Make Your Time With God Count
o The Essential Spiritual Discipline of Fasting

Promotions
o Mastering Advertising Media: Knowing What Each Platform Does Best
o 7 Reasons Your Church Cannot Ignore Social Media

Sunday School
o Children’s Church Ministry Director
o Why It Is Important to Reach the Young Parents of Your Sunday School Children

Youth
o 7 Tips For Getting Youth Involved In Serving At Your Church
o 3 Very Fatal Youth Ministry Phrases