The Importance of Parenting Classes

As children's ministry leaders, our calling is not only to disciple children, but their parents as well.

When I started out in children's ministry years ago, my mindset was that I would provide discipleship strategies for children.

I thought it was solely the job of adult ministry to disciple parents. This included parenting classes. If there were any parenting classes, they should come from the adult ministry.

This meant that I never initiated or partnered with the adult ministry to offer parenting classes.

But as my ministry progressed over the years, my mindset about this changed. Maybe it was time for me, as the children's ministry pastor, to take the lead when it came to offering parenting classes. When possible, I still partnered with adult ministry in this endeavor, but I took the lead in planning and preparing these classes.

Parenting classes are so important. Here's why:

#1 - Parents are called to be the primary spiritual influence in their child's life.

When we share the truths of God's Word about parenting, they can be equipped and encouraged to lead their children spiritually.

#2 - We can place parenting tools in their hands.

We think we know all about parenting...and then we have kids. I heard one parent say, "Before I was a parent, I had a strategy to raise children. Now I have 3 children and no strategies."

Parenting is definitely not for the faint of heart. It is one of the greatest tasks you will ever endeavor to do.

Parenting classes can help parents develop their parenting strategy.

Parents are looking for help. You can help them by placing parenting tools in their hands and giving them the opportunity to glean ideas and insights to being an effective parent. You can help parents improve their knowledge and skills in raising children.

#3 - The greatest parenting tool is parents that love each other.

More than children need anything, they need to know that their parents love each other. A strong marriage is one of the greatest discipleship tools a child will ever observe. Single parents can also have an impact by showing their children what it means to follow Jesus.

#4 - When parents begin to grow spiritually it is a catalyst that will help their children grow spiritually as well.

Spiritually healthy parents will produce spiritually healthy children.

#5 - Every parent needs help.

New parents need help.

Seasoned parents need fresh help and insight.

Soon-to-be parents need help.

First-time parents need help.

Parents of children with behavioral or developmental issues need help.

Parents who want to learn new skills need help.

Parents who are having trouble connecting with their older children need help.

Parents who have trouble communicating with their older children need help.

Grandparents who are raising their grandchildren need help.

#6 - Parenting classes help parents prepare for the most important job they will ever have.

Nothing at your job is more important than your role as a parent.

No hobby is more important than your role as a parent.

No amount of overtime is more important than your role as a parent.

No round of golf is as important as your role as a parent.

#7 - The sooner you offer parenting classes the better.

It is easier if you help parents develop their parenting plan when their children are young. Parents of babies are a perfect fit for a parenting class.

Learning more effective parenting skills today will be priceless tomorrow.

#8 - Another great time to offer parenting classes is for parents whose children are moving into their teenage years.

Parenting teenagers can be challenging. Let me add to that - I believe that parenting teenagers is more challenging than any other age group.

As children move into their teen years parents are looking for insight and strategies. They are looking for help. You can see it in their eyes as they realize their "baby" is growing up so quickly.

What a great opportunity to come alongside them with specific insights and strategies in raising teens.

Let me challenge you in this. What are you waiting for? Let's go. Sit down and prepare your parenting class strategy for the rest of 2023 and in 2024.

It is often a good idea to invite someone in to do a parenting seminar for you. If you are looking for someone to come and speak into the life of the parents in your ministry, I can help you with that. I offer parenting classes for the parents of babies, preschoolers, elementary age and teenagers.

If I can be of service, you can get more information and contact me at this link.

As Christian parents, our greatest desire is for our kids to grow up and follow Jesus. I believe how we parent and live out our faith in front of our children is the deciding factor.

As children's ministry leaders, our calling is not only to disciple children, but their parents as well.

Your turn. Do you offer parenting classes? Tell us more about it. Share your thoughts and insights in the comment section below.