What Do You Use to Communicate With Parents Each Week?
What would we do if we couldn’t stay in touch right now? Family, friends, news outlets, and teachers have been important lifelines during the past few months. Your ministry should be on that list too. If you’re wondering how to keep families engaged throughout the COVID-19 emergency, focus on regular communication.
One danger, as households shift and shuffle their daily schedules due to the pandemic, is that some might not prioritize ministry participation. Parents are stretched thin right now. We know discipleship is especially important today. Unfortunately, some families become less active when they’re overwhelmed – unless they have support from you.
Aim to send parents regular informative and encouraging messages. It doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, it shouldn’t be! Moms, dads, and guardians are swamped with updates from schools these days. So, make each message short and simple. Also, keep the focus on the family’s needs. How can you help parents and kids succeed? We’ll give you a few ideas at the end of this post. But the first step is reaching them!
This week, we asked leaders: “Which form of communication do you find most effective when reaching out to parents?”
Facebook
Utilize this social platform for generalized updates and communication! Share your launch date, upcoming theme nights, and updates in a church-specific group. You can even utilize this platform to share fun pictures each week, with parent’s permission of course.
“We post weekly updates on our Facebook page. Anything of importance or urgency is posted and then emailed.” Jennifer
“Facebook and Remind app” Theresa
“Facebook group” corenae
“Text and social media” ibhunny
An oldie but a goodie! Email allows for you to interact with specific groups of people in a way that allows them to respond back in their own time.
“Emails get the job done in our club.” GI
“Email and text. Most respond to texts better.” Susan
“Emails” Diana
Newsletter
Hear ye, hear ye! Digital newsletters are an incredible way to share big-picture updates on what the next month/quarter will hold for your club.
“Monthly newsletter, digital communication, mass texting … [social media] seem to have the largest response as it pertains to comments and interaction.” savagetoothfairy1992
“Weekly email newsletter. Some things on Facebook, but it hasn’t been that successful for us.” Randy
Remind App
Are you tired of all the group texts you are participating in? So are parents! Use the Remind app to send text updates that go to each parent individually and give them the ability to only text you back.
“Email. And text messages through Remind.” en_karin
“I do email, social platforms and the Remind app!!” Carol H.
“Face to face, text messages, Fb messenger, Remind app for whole club announcements, plus a paper note in case of new kids” Jamie R.
Other
What else do you use to communicate? Whatever you do, do it creatively!
“Calling works wonders” mbasler3
“Creative combinations of each” allygracesikora
With the right tools, even tough circumstances can’t stop us from building community. Use this season to practice relational discipleship, not only with children but with parents, too! Here are a few ideas to keep your communication flowing:
- Send important updates about your church’s COVID-19 schedule or safety procedures.
- Share free family discipleship resources.
- Write a fun recap of the first few weeks of your Awana club.
- Make sure parents know about Awana Clubs+ resources that they can use at home.
- Send a way-to-go text message with your favorite meme.
- Post a seasonal devotional each month.
- Recap lessons and give advice for explaining any tough spiritual questions.
- Put out a quick survey asking parents for feedback about your club.
- Link to timely, parent-focused blogs.
- Share praises and prayer requests.
- Highlight clubber achievements.
- Share your personal testimony and inspiration for growing in Christ through difficult times.
What are your favorite ways to stay connected with families?
The Awana Editorial team is a group of people passionate about child discipleship and the equipping of leaders for the advancement of the kingdom. We have a breadth of experience in children’s ministry, and our heart beats with the stories of what God is doing around the world. We have an affinity for salty snacks and the occasional sweet treat, and we believe that everything is better with a good cup of coffee!
