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Kara Powell
Kara Powell

Your View of Parents

December 9, 2009 By Kara Powell

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I’ve been reading Reggie Joiner’s great book, Think Orange, and one of his not-so-subtle themes is the way our expectations of others influence their behavior.  He writes to leaders, “Your perception of parents’ potential to change can drive how you respond to them.”

So many times we as youth workers are judgmental of parents, instead of believing that they love their kids and want the best for their kids.

Reggie gives a helpful continuum to describe different levels of parent/leader partnerships:

AWARE parents are concerned about a particular situation or development.  These parents are outside the church but open to it, and they’re interested in becoming better parents.

INVOLVED parents have a basic or entry-level relationship with the church.  Even if it’s just bringing their kids to church, these parents are taking steps to influence kids spiritually.

ENGAGED parents are committed to partnering with the church.  They are growing in their relationship with God and assume some responsibility for spiritual leadership in the home.

INVESTED parents proactively devote time and energy to partnering with the church.  They understand the strategy of your ministry and are in community with Christian parent groups.

What would it look like to try to help parents move one level deeper in their partnership with you?  From aware to involved…from involved to engaged…from engaged to invested…

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