4. Thou shalt get to know parents. The more respect and trust the parents have for you, the more you’ll be able to do (and get away with!) in ministry. You’ll also create many opportunities for parents to share struggles and insights about their teenagers that will greatly benefit your ministry to those individuals. Prove yourself to be someone who cares about the family as a whole, not just the kids. Start conversations when parents drop off their kids or when they pick them up, even if you have to run out to the car to do so. Then, when a difficult time hits that family, they’ll know who they come to and trust. Likewise, when a difficult time hits your ministry, they’ll know your heart and you’ll have their support.

• Ten commandments for surviving in youth ministry (5 of 10)
• Ten commandments for surviving in youth ministry (7 of 10)
• Ten commandments for surviving in youth ministry (9 of 10)
• Ten commandments for surviving in youth ministry (10 of 10)
• Ten commandments for surviving in youth ministry (1 of 10)