I took a poll of ten youth pastors. They concluded that, “the biggest impediment for us in discipling our students is that school and all the other activities leave us with the scraps of their schedules.”

Here’s what youth pastors are saying:

“It seems like the majority of my time is taken on the fringe kids and not on the discipleship kids.”

“The school systems are requiring more homework on top of sports, and advanced level classes.”

“I’m too busy to meet with individuals on a regular basis – just my group and then a small group of leaders.”

“Getting parents to do anything as a group is incredibly frustrating and is usually very poorly attended. I have a youth service that incorporates small groups. I would really like to have some parents leading these groups; however, right now I only have 2 parents (both are fathers) who are currently involved out of 15 small group leaders.”

“Just try to do any type of ministry to parents and see what kind of response you get. Over and over again I've tried to do some kind of parent support group, outreach, information session, etc., with no response. I reprint articles, make magazines available, have a whole library of resources, and parents don't take advantage of them. Parents want a non-demanding activity to put their kids in.

Just a few years ago one of our local high schools brought in some big names for a workshop to help parents stay connected to their teens. Not one parent showed up.”

One youth pastor had advice:

1. Make sure that events you want parents to attend will meet the spiritual needs of parents.

2. Empower parents.

3. Sell them the vision of the ultimate purpose of what you're doing.