The Power of Connection: Helping Teens and Parents Belong at Church
When we think about all we have to do in youth ministry, it’s easy to get caught up in schedules, programs, communication, and mapping out all of our teaching content. We plan lessons, coordinate volunteers, and work to create experiences where students can encounter Jesus. But before any of that can have a lasting impact, we have to focus on the climate we’re creating in our ministry.
Now let’s be honest. As youth leaders, it’s easy to measure success by what we teach or how many students show up. We get excited about how much Scripture we cover, how many lessons we deliver, or how well our programs run. But the truth is, the lasting impact of our ministry often comes not from the content we present, but from the connections we help people form. I love seeing groups of people who are now adults trace their relational roots back to a youth group experience. They made a deep connection through a safe environment, and their faith grew as a result. When students feel seen, welcomed, and connected, their hearts are open in a way that no lesson alone can achieve. Investing in relationships where we help students build deep and meaningful friendships lays a foundation for building a faith that sticks. Caring more about connection than we do about content doesn’t mean we stop teaching. It just means we prioritize the climate where learning can truly take root.
Sure, we want to build an inviting environment for teenagers, but in order to have an even greater impact, we especially need to think about how we are welcoming parents. If parents don’t feel connected, seen, or included, the ripple effects can reach their teenagers too. Building systems and structures that foster parent connection is one of the most strategic investments we can make as ministry leaders. Over the years, I have seen so much good come from focusing on helping parents connect to both one another and to the church.
If you want to take some time to evaluate whether you are helping parents connect, you can start by taking a careful look at how parents are currently engaging in your ministry. Do they know each other? Do they feel welcomed when they walk into your church? Take some time to ask for feedback from parents about how they are feeling about their place in your ministry and be intentional about listening. From there, consider building a few simple structures that can foster connection. Host things like short-term small groups, one-time parent gatherings around specific topics, or occasional social events that allow parents to meet and encourage one another. I’ve seen everything from holiday events to going to a game or play. You don’t have to create a permanent weekly commitment. Start small, test what works, and build from there.
Another practical step is to involve parents directly in the ministry. Invite them to volunteer in small ways that naturally build relationships, like checking students in, leading a short devotional, organizing a game night, or facilitating a discussion group. These opportunities allow parents to engage meaningfully with other families while also modeling for their teenagers how to invest in community. Over time, these relationships help parents feel more connected to the church, and they strengthen the culture of your ministry as a whole.
As parents grow in community, their teenagers notice. They see adults valuing relationships, engaging in meaningful conversations, and leaning on one another for encouragement. Modeling this kind of connection teaches teenagers that faith isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about living out what you believe in community. When parents are engaged, confident, and connected, students are far more likely to grow spiritually and remain committed to their faith long-term.
Finally, remember that you don’t have to do this alone. Lean on staff, volunteers, and key parents to help facilitate spaces where connection can happen. Whether it’s a coffee hour before youth group, a short-term discussion group, or a parent seminar or workshop, creating environments where parents feel known and supported will have a profound impact not just on their own faith, but on the faith of their teenagers. Remember, climate comes first. When parents feel welcomed and connected, the doors open for students to feel connected too and experience belonging, trust, and ultimately, a faith that lasts a lifetime.
