Parents of the Week
Tuesday, June 23, 2009 6:00
How would you like to have 2 extra adults in every classroom this Sunday? How cool would it be to expose more of your parents to exactly what happens in your classrooms on a regular basis? Would you like to have a way to discover new talent by experiencing exactly how engaging an individual is or is not with children before inviting them to be on your Children’s Ministry Team? A “Parents of the Week” program can do all that and more.
We recently began a “Parents of the Week” program for all of our Children’s Ministry classes and it has been great. Many of our parents have expressed their gratitude for inviting them to be a part of their child’s classroom experience. All of our children are excited about their parents participating in the class. Our leaders are grateful for the opportunity to engage the parents in a meaningful experience. Parent’s getting the chance to see our Kid’s View Team (large group format) has definitely elevated their perception of our Children’s Ministry.
So how does it work? So glad you asked. First, the details of the program were snail mailed and emailed out to every family. Then, each week we place the names of each classroom’s kids in a bowl and draw out a name. That child’s parents are the “Parents of the Week” for the next Sunday. We have an invitation prepared and when the parents arrive to pick-up their child they are given the invitation and any additional information they may need. The leader for the class then marks that families name off the class list so that each family has an opportunity to attend. During the week our leaders are encouraged to make contact with the parents to remind them that they are “Parents of the Week.” When they arrive the next Sunday the parents are introduced to the class, given special seating, and asked to participate in classroom activities. This has turned out to be great for the kids, families and leaders.
Give “Parents of the Week” a try and let me know how it goes.
Technorati Tags: Children’s-Ministry, Family-Ministry, Youth-Ministry, Kids-Ministry, Family, Parents, Kids, Children, Ministry, Religion, Christianity
Sarah says:
June 23rd, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Pretty cool post. I just found your site and wanted to say
that I’ve really enjoyed reading your posts. In any case
I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon!
Leena says:
June 29th, 2009 at 11:11 am
So I’m curious whether you simply told the parents “We’re involving everybody” or do they get an opt in/opt out? Several of our parents have other ministry hats on a Sunday morning, I think they’d have fun helping out but I don’t want to overwhelm anyone… or perhaps we include the other parent that doesn’t hold as many hats instead?
Thanks for this great blog!
Keith says:
June 29th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
Leena, We have tried to include every parent, including teachers/leaders who are involved in other areas of the Children’s Ministry. When a parent is selected that is serving in a classroom we make adjustments to allow them to visit their child’s classroom. I believe that a parent’s first and most important ministry is to their own family. Trying to explain to a 7, 8, 9 year old that mom or dad can’t visit their class because they’re are involved in other ministry will definately send the wrong message about priorities.
Leena says:
June 30th, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Thinking of leaders with their parent hats and family priorities first turns my thinking in a different direction. Amen. I definitely want them to minister to their family first, before the rest of the congregation. Thanks!
Christian Carnival 283 : The Limitless.com says:
July 1st, 2009 at 7:40 am
[...] Tusing presents Parents of the Week posted at CM [...]