A fatherless generation NEEDS a father figure.

I recently read an article published by Focus on the Family that stated “nearly two-thirds of first marriages will end up in divorce; that means about half of all American children will experience their parents’ divorce. And since more than 75 percent of divorced parents remarry and second marriages are more likely to fail than the first, many teens will go through a second divorce with their stepfamilies.”

I say all that to say there is a desperate need for STABLE PARENTAL FIGURES. Our students need more than a pastor…they need a father…they need a mother. Our students need a figure in their life that is STABLE and GODLY. They need a grown up…they need a leader…they need an ADULT… Let me tell you what they DON’T need is a friend…they’ve got plenty of those.

Take a look at your schools…I would venture to say that there are more students that are familiar with divorce than those that have married parents. It’s our responsibility and calling to not only PREACH the Gospel of Jesus Christ but it is also our responsibility to LIVE the Gospel of Jesus Christ…make no mistake “people watch you before they follow you”.

The questions we have to ask ourselves are; What are the differences in how I PASTOR and how I PARENT? How can I take what I’ve learned as a parent and apply it to leading in ministry?

We all parent differently and I’m not about to give a course on parenting…but I would encourage you to read books on parenting. However, what I will give you are a couple of things that I do with our group of students…and I really believe they can help you grow relationally with your students.

  • “I’m proud of you”, versus, “Thank you!”

“Thank you” can sometimes mean that you are grateful that they are helping YOU accomplish the needs of the ministry, whereas “I’m proud of you” signifies a sense of affirmation that THEY have done the right thing on their own, after all we are supposed to be training them on how to be responsible adults.

  • “I love you”

I don’t care who you are, these three words speak volumes…especially to students. I personally end every service I preach (adults/students) with this exact saying, “God loves you and I love you to”.