Q+A :: What Are Parents Wanting in a Church?
December 17, 2008 | 25 Comments | Children's Ministry, Church, First Impressions, Ministry
QUESTION:
What are parents looking for when they visit a church?
My friend says in the past parents were concerned about what a church had to offer their kids and would sacrifice their own interests. He also says today parents are more interested in satisfying their needs.
I don’t know that I agree with this. I see a majority of parents today, more than before, that sacrifice to make sure their kids are taken care of. I think it was true in the past but even truer today.
- James
ANSWER:
There is no black and white answer because there is no universal style of parenting.
Parenting styles vary by culture (i.e., age, race, religion, income, location, education, career, etc.) as well as each parent’s unique personality. It is the infusion of these variables that influence and usually determine each parent’s priorities.
NOT A PRIORITY SHIFT BUT AN INCREASE OF EXPECTATIONS
I believe a greater percentage of parents are looking to find a church that meets both their needs and their kids needs.
I do not think there has been a priority shift. Rather, I believe that parents have increased their expectations.
As technology advances, we become accustomed to having more options and customization, which consequently, causes us to have more expectations. Two centuries ago, parents were likely content to have a church to attend and thrilled if it was the “right” denomination. Obviously, parents have more expectations today.
Parents choosing a church is similar to buying a house. A home buyer may be looking for a home with walk-in closets and a two-car garage, but they may choose a home that is neither because they fall in love with the kitchen.
Some parents want a church that has a great children’s ministry, but they may choose a church because of the congregation’s friendliness or the pastor’s preaching. And other parents may want a church with great small groups, but they may choose a church because the children’s ministry loves their kids and teaches them valuable lessons.
SO WHAT DO PARENTS WANT?
Each parent has their own mix of “wants,” but here is a list of things that every parent seems to like:
- A children’s ministry that makes their kids feel loved.
- A children’s ministry and church with good security.
- A children’s ministry that effectively teaches their kids valuable lessons.
- A children’s ministry that is fun and “wows” their kids.
- A friendly church.
- A church with good preaching.
- A church with good worship.
- A church that makes it easy to make friends.
- A church that offers opportunities to get involved.
For Discussion:
- What do you think parents want in a church?
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