Teach Your Parents Well
Persuading Parents to bring their youth to church:
● Start now, in late July and early August to plant the seeds.
● Give parents a copy of Eugene Peterson’s book, Like Dew Your Youth. His chapter “I don’t
Want to Go to Church!” lists good arguments for young people who are resisting this.
(This book makes an excellent gift for parents of children who have a “Rite 13.”)
● Use Gospel Light for generic posters, brochures and fliers that list compelling reasons for
parents to make time for regular church/Sunday school attendance. (Or make your own.)
On the Gospel Light web site, Type in Sunday School Promo Pages in the search area.
(ISBN number 0830715894) There is a special internet price when you order the book.
● Send a post card, brochure, letter, or flier to parents. Summarize some of Peterson’s ideas.
● Make an attractive bulletin board in a hallway or meeting area of your church, inviting folks
to Sunday school/youth group-- and list reasons why they should come. Use photos of happy
young people as part of your display. I see people at our church linger over photos of youth
on our bulletin boards.
● Mix church and play. Encourage parents to have their child’s youth group friends come to their home after church or after school on a weekday. Building relationships outside of church makes it more likely that youth will want to come to Sunday school to see their friends.
Saturday overnights work well, too. (Maybe one friend at a time!) After a night of staying up late, youth group friends will be there in the morning -- and they can go to church together.
Kathleen Capcara
Post a Comment
Reader Comments