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Partnering With Parents in Children’s Ministry: 10 Key Needs to Meet

6. Service to others

Some element of the children’s ministry should begin to lay the framework for looking outside themselves to help others. Because kids are inherently self-centered, it can be difficult for them to understand real-life applications of Christianity, love and service.

A serving-related element can be as simple as taking up a collection for the homeless ministry or talking about a holiday toy drive. This will help ground your kids in reality and also protect them from the materialistic focus that society teaches.

7. A seamless transition between age groups

Every transition, whether from room to room or from preschool to elementary, should flow. Transitions help kids continue to grow spiritually and to remain excited about the next step in their faith journey. The idea is that “everything you learned there was needed for you to get here.” All ministries should point toward the same mission.

8. Student ministry exposure

I love hearing how excited my child is about the cool things the youth ministry is doing and how excited he is to do them himself. Showing younger kids what high schoolers are doing brings a level of excitement and familiarity. Plus, it helps kids feel less anxious about moving to the next step.

9. Communication

Consistent communication from the children’s pastor about what kids are doing, what they’re learning, and the purpose of it all is essential. Every day I ask my daughter what she did at school that day. And every day I get the same answer, “I ate lunch.” Kids often don’t communicate what they learn or the point of activities. That’s why partnering with parents in children’s ministry requires lots of communication. Through emails, newsletters, or other take-home content, be sure to keep parents informed and involved.

10. Involvement in worship

My church does a great job of championing the children’s ministry in the main worship service. Whether children lead a song or you show a video of ministry happenings, it helps plug people in. Involving kids also shows how important this ministry is to the church’s foundation. It ultimately creates buy-in from families.

What other best practices do you use at your church? And what strategies do you recommend for partnering with parents in children’s ministry? Share them in the comments below!

This article originally appeared here.