Parents of Students
Parenting during the teenage years is both beautiful and challenging. There are moments when things are going great and you’re able to really connect with your child and other moments when you can’t figure out your son or daughter and it seems like the distance between you and them is growing. Parenting is messy and we as a youth ministry want to enter the messiness with you. It takes a community to disciple a child, and we cherish the opportunity to walk alongside your family in this discipleship process. On this page, you will find ways to stay connected with what’s happening in our youth ministry as well as helpful resources and opportunities that will help you win as a parent.
Stay Connected
- 5 THINGS: One of the best ways to stay up-to-date with what’s going on in Student Ministries is to subscribe to our weekly 5 Things email. This email not only communicates what is happening in our youth ministry but also includes a new article each week on parenting teens and understanding youth culture. Click HERE to get signed up.
- FACEBOOK: Follow our page, “ECC Student Ministries Parents” for the most up-to-date information on what’s happening in our ministry and for helpful resources that will help you win as a parent. Click HERE to follow.
- EVENTS: Click HERE for a list of all upcoming events. You can also access these and get your son or daughter signed up for events on the church app.
- VOLUNTEERS: Parents can make the best volunteers. Click HERE to see all available Volunteer Opportunities
Side/Side Groups
Side by Side groups are short-term discipleship groups that are built around student and family schedules. We can even train you to lead one with your teenage child and a few friends! They can be 2-6 weeks long, depending on the study. Groups range from studies on the gospel of Mark or John, Bible journaling, telling your faith story, discovering your identity in Christ, evangelism, and more. To lead one of these groups contact Brian Kramer (for Middle School parents) at bkramer@eccfw.org or Matt Stemen (for High School parents) at mstemen@eccfw.org so you can be trained on how to lead these groups.
Encouragement, Support, and Challenge
Our youth ministry wants to walk with you as you help your teenage child learn the Jesus way. Please feel free to connect with us and ask questions. We would be happy to talk with you about how we can best help you and your family.
Recommended Resources For Parents:
Books
The Sticky Faith Guide for Your Family by Kara Powell
Growing With by Kara Powell and Steve Argue
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
Websites
Center for Parent Youth Understanding (CPYU)
Podcasts