We know this and want to see parents become effective spiritual leaders for their children. But how can you help today's busy parents get there?
Here's 5 keys to getting parents involved in their child's spiritual growth.
Emphasize.
The starting point is simply to get it on their radar. Most parents are so busy working, getting their kids to soccer practice and just trying to keep their family afloat, that they haven't thought much, if any, about their role as the spiritual leader of their kids.
You have the opportunity to plant this seed in their heart. Communicate this to them. "God has called you to be the primary spiritual influence in your child's life. Your greatest responsibility as a parent is to help your child grow up to love and follow Jesus."
When you emphasize this, you will see their eyes light up as it dawns on them.
Engage.
Set up key times when you speak into parent's lives about this. Some of the key times you can engage them are parent/child dedication, when their child is transitioning into elementary school, when their child is ready to step across the line of faith and when their child is transitioning into middle school. Attach a class to these spiritual milestones and teach them how they can lead their child spiritually. These are key times in parent's lives when they will come looking for help.
Equip.
Get tools in parent's hands. Tools such as devotionals they can do with their kids, prayer guides, take home papers with questions about the lesson, social media connections and more.
Encourage.
Most parents want to be the spiritual leader of their child, but they feel inadequate. The reason they default to teachers and leaders at church is because they don't have the confidence to lead their child spiritually. They think they have to be a Bible scholar or have their own spiritual walk totally together before they start.
Instead of brow beating them, encourage them. Be their biggest fan and cheer them on. Let them know they can do it. Then celebrate the victories with them...no matter how small they may be. Parents respond better to encouragement than guilt.
Experiences.
Provide shared spiritual growth experiences that parents can participate in with their children. Parents love doing things with their children. Create special events such as a shared worship experience, a father-son camp out, a daddy-daughter night, a family camp, etc. These experiences can be catalyst for getting parents involved in their child's spiritual growth.
Remember...when you reach a child, you change a life. When you reach parents...you change the entire family.
