Communication With Parents

[Sayci]

Hi! I teach a Sunday school class for 3rd-6th graders. The majority of my kids have non-Christian parents. One of my students, named Alysa, is really committed to church and learning and she has tried to get her parents to come to church with her, but they said that it's the teacher's job to invite them.

I live in a small town and we all know each other to a point, but how would be the best way to go about it? I'm torn between sending a letter or just going to visit with them. I'm 21 and just started teaching and taking on responsibilities in the church in this past year or so. I don't have a lot of authority or anything, but I want to help where I can. Is it right for me to go to their house? Should I ask help from the church authorities? Would a letter be enough? Should I invite all the parents at once or go to them one on one? Any ideas?

 

[Nilla]

I would have gone to someone and explained the situation and asked for advice. Either the pastor or someone just so you don't do anything wrong.

Would they want to come join sunday school with their child or would they want to attend the service while she's in sunday school?

 

[Neenie1]

I would have gone to someone and explained the situation and asked for advice. Either the pastor or someone just so you don't do anything wrong.

Would they want to come join sunday school with their child or would they want to attend the service while she's in sunday school?[/quote]


Actually that's a very good point.

Maybe you could get the kids to put on an end of term performance and invite all the parents. Get the kids to make the invites to take home.

I would also ask the pastor for further advice.



Also I'm wondering if you see the parents when they drop their child off at Sunday school, or do they come by themselves? Maybe if there was some way you could build up a rapport with the parents they might feel more comfortable about coming to church.

 

[Sayci]

Great idea about the parents coming to class! I'll see if that opens up into something.

We have a church van that goes around and picks up all the kids so they always have a ride. The parents are friendly and so willing to let the kids come to anything, but they also have a real wall set up against them needing church. I'll keep praying for them and inviting them to other activities.

Thanks, ladies!

 

[Robinsegg]

Is there a way you could call them to make an appointment? Then, you could go when you know it's a good time for them to visit. Just go to get to know them better! Once you have a relationship with them, maybe you could invite them to attend a special event with you . . . like vacation bible school commencement or something?

Rachel

 

[Extrovertical]

It's hard to give an answer because no one can really know the what the parents really want. Just ask God and then follow your heart. If you don't get the answer from him, don't do anything. The truth of the matter is it is not your responsibility it's the Holy Spirit's and the parent's. The worst thing you can do is stress about it. The truth is theyre not coming for their daughters sake they probably won't come because you asked them and even if they do it won't last long. They obviously see other people as responsible for their church going and will only end up being disgruntled church members until they change their heart and get right with God.

 

[Sayci]

Okay, this is all really good advice! No stressing here, God is working hard on me with that one. Thanks everyone!

 

[Nessie]

A pastor once told me that "the quickest way to get adults into your church is to put their little chickadee up on that platform." Oh, how right he was! You're not going to be able to get all of the parents, but if you did a small program with the young people, like a little play or musical or an open house where you display their talents or artwork, more often than not the parents will show up. I have parents of kids who come only on Christmas Eve and other events where their child is performing. Once you get them there it's easier to build repertoire and then you could do things like say, "We could always use someone who has a talent for storytelling/cooking/craft making etc--would you like to volunteer one class to teach them something?" I've had a friend throughout all youth group who's mom started only by going to special events, now she comes to church every sunday she's not working. She's not a committed Christian yet, but she will be someday!

As far as a student telling you that it's your job to win the parents, maybe she's having a hard time reaching her parents or her parents are rejecting her invitations and she's discouraged. It's great to help, but you may want to teach your kids Jeremiah 1 "But God, I'm just a kid, I can't speak!" .... I Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth...", and I Peter 3:1, which is referring to wives but the same principle applies to children that their lifestyle will win others to the Lord.

 

[gmcrossfire]

nothing wrong with a quick note of invitation.