Getting on the Same Page

We had our annual parents meeting for this year's confirmation class. We confirm in the 10th grade @ Christ Church, and we are expecting a class of around 50 sophomores this year, and the crowd at the meeting last night reflected that. The crowd also reflected an oft overlooked challenge in youth ministry-Some parents (even church members) do not always hold to distinctly Christian beliefs. This is a problem for two reasons. The first is that if the parents themselves are not experiencing the truth of the Gospel, then they are missing the vitality and freedom found in living as a child of God. The second reason this is a problem is that despite what some misguided youth ministers would tell you, we (youth pastors) will never be the biggest influence on the students we serve, their parents will be. So no matter how well we teach, 20 minutes of good, orthodox teaching can be washed away with the dismissal of a parent. If we want our students to know Christ and walk with him, we have to work with the parents, and make sure we are on the same page theologically. The last thing we want is a Holy war being waged between parents and youth staff. Do your students parents think that Jesus is the only way to heaven? Do they believe that scripture is the inerrant, authoritative word of God? Do they place a higher emphasis on the prayer book or the bible? (I'll be honest, I'm a little afraid to ask this question) The hurdle of working on the same page with parents theologically speaking is raised a few notches higher for those of us in student ministry in my life stage. I'm very, very young for my job, and I realize the challenges that go along with that. Mainly, it is very difficult for parents in their 30's to 60's (and in our church VERY educated, successful 30 to 60 year olds) to ascribe ANY authority to the teaching of a 24 year old who some see as merely a babysitter who gives their kids a safe place to play twice a week. As we attempt to preach and teach to our parents, we have to keep in mind how we can appear to them, and we have to keep in mind that they DO have a TON of life experience we don't. We've got to approach them with respect and humility, and pray that the Holy Spirit moves them in the same direction we are leading their children. We don't have to let anyone look down on us because we are young, but we also have the responsibility to act in a way that does not GIVE people a reason to look down on us because of our youth.