A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to sit down with Doug Fields and tap into his wisdom. One of the things I’ve been wrestling through myself for the past two years or so is how do we help parents become the spiritual role models and leaders God calls them to be? How can shift from a youth ministry that enables parents to outsource their teen’s spiritual development to the “paid professional” youth pastor and take responsibility for it themselves? And when that happens, how can the youth ministry and the church as a whole support that to ensure that it’s successful?

I’ve been beating all around this bush with the ministries I’ve been involved in, trying to figure it out. And, to be quite honest, I don’t really feel like I’m getting anywhere. When I talk with Doug Fields about it in the video below, I think some of my frustration comes out a little. Thankfully, Doug is much wiser than I and has exponentially more experience than I do. His response is reassuring and helpful.

Watch the video of my brief discussion with Doug Fields about youth ministries can help parents become spiritual leaders for their children.

NOTE: This video is enabled for 3D viewing! If you have 3D glasses nearby, put them on and click the little 3D icon in the YouTube player. For best results, view it fullscreen in HD.

QUESTION: How do you partner with parents in your youth ministry?

I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. Or even better yet, if you’d like to post a video response to my video on YouTube so we can actually see and hear you tell your story, here’s the link to easily submit a video response to my video with Doug.

Posted on October 11, 2011