Parent meetings are an essential part of a successful youth ministry. As a youth worker, you need to be able to effectively run a parent meeting.

Early on, in ministry, many youth workers think youth ministry is all about the students. After a few months into this youth ministry gig you notice in order to have lasting Jesus-centered change, your ministry to parents has an exponential effect in the success of your ministry to students.

Over the years I have made many mistakes when hosting a parent meeting. Thank goodness I didn't give up on parents, or more so, thank goodness they didn't give up me.

HERE ARE 10 TIPS I HAVE LEARNED OVER THE YEARS:

1. Triple Communicate: Email Them. Mail Them. Call Them. You don't want parents missing a parent meeting because of your lack of communication. Parents are people and they have busy lives. If you communicate clearly you will have them there . . . that is why you are having the meeting in the first place.
2. Welcome Them: Have someone on your team at the door greeting them as they enter the room and hand them the information you are going to cover.
3. Create a Good Environment: Going with the rap/hard rock over the sound system is a bad choice. Make sure the room you are in is clear of distractions. If your budget will allow, bottles of water will let them know that you are prepared and want them there.
4. ...

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Your calling is to minister to students. You are a million times more effective if you win parents' trust. Hitting a home run in a parent meeting is a great way to get started.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2010 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.