supporting the parents and grandparents who are complimentary to the children’s ministry
Your Question:
“How do I thank those parents or grandparents who are supportive of what we do for their children?”
The Issues:
Sometimes we forget to encourage or support those people who are happy with what is going on in the CM. We spend so much effort dealing with those who are unhappy that those who are happy feel neglected. We must ask God to help us pay meaningful attention to all parents or grandparents.
Scripture Foundation:
“Then Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.”’ Luke 15: 3-7
Short Answer:
It is normal for you to spend your administrative time dealing with the challenges of the ministry! If you don’t, you’ll possibly face a growing number of unhappy parents. In the Parable of The Lost Sheep, Jesus affirms God’s attitude toward those people who are “lost” or who need special attention. We know this is Who God is! The implication of the parable is that the 99 sheep that the shepherd leaves are safe. A good shepherd would never leave the sheep if they are in danger. The shepherd in this parable has a flock that is well-fed and safe. The shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one lost sheep. In the CM, you must do all you can to protect and care for all the children, parents or grandparents, and the CM team members. This universal care will reduce the number of “lost” parents, grandparents, children, or CM team members. The CM environment must be friendly, safe, and interactive. Everyone involved in the CM should clearly see and feel that they are valued and protected. When a child, parent, grandparent, or team member does something good, they should be thanked instantly. There should be a “culture” of appreciation and encouragement in the CM that flows into conversations and pleasant eye-contact and smiles. Those parents or grandparents who never give you any “trouble” should be thanked and encouraged. The easiest way to do this is a direct, brief thanks and simple touch (handshake, hand on shoulder, etc.) You can say something like, “Thanks for being a positive, friendly part of our children’s ministry!” or “Thanks for being such great parents.” This “for no reason” compliment will make them feel appreciated! Make sure that your communication pieces (emails, newsletters, web announcements, social media posts, etc.) always includes thanks for those who are encouraging and supportive to you and the CM team. You might also “I’m Thankful For You” notes with you as you monitor check-in and check-out times. These notes could be simple thank you notes from you. You can give the notes to parents or grandparents who are supportive and complimentary. If you can connect the thank-you notes to something free at the church coffee shop, that would be great. This extra aspect of your thanks has a financial cost to it, but it adds an additional level of thanks in the parent or grandparent’s eyes. For more help, click on the links below.
Visit other articles in the “Supporting Parents and Grandparents APPENDIX”
