One of the most defining moments in my ministry didn’t happen during a lesson or a service. It happened in a hallway.

A parent once thanked me for teaching their child and then said, very sincerely, “I could never do what you do. I could never teach my own child like this.”

They meant it as a compliment—but it revealed a deeper problem. Parents were outsourcing discipleship not because they didn’t care, but because they didn’t feel capable. That moment became the catalyst for launching quarterly parenting classes focused on family discipleship. Not to replace parents—but to equip them.

The Gap We Can’t Ignore

Scripture is clear: parents are the primary disciplers of their children. Deuteronomy 6 paints a picture of faith woven into everyday life—at home, on the road, morning and night. Ephesians 6:4 calls parents to actively shape their children’s spiritual formation.

Yet research consistently shows a disconnect. While ministry leaders overwhelmingly believe discipleship starts in the home, many parents believe it’s primarily the church’s responsibility. That gap creates pressure on ministries and insecurity in families.

Our role isn’t to take over what God designed parents to do. Our role is to walk beside them—offering tools, confidence, and support so discipleship doesn’t stop at the church doors.

Start Where Families Already Are

When it comes to hosting parenting classes, timing matters. Families are already stretched thin. The goal isn’t to add another obligation, but to integrate discipleship into rhythms they already have.

For us, that meant attaching parenting classes to an existing midweek church night rather than trying to build something entirely new. The principle is simple: don’t reinvent the wheel. Look at your current schedule and ask, “Where could this fit naturally?” When ministry works with families’ realities instead of against them, participation increases.

Don’t Guess—Ask

One of the biggest mistakes we can make is assuming we know what parents need. Early on, I realized my ideas were shaped by my own family context—not necessarily the experiences of the families I served.

So instead of guessing, I asked. Parent surveys became one of the most valuable tools in shaping our classes. Beyond asking what topics parents wanted help with, we asked vision-oriented questions like, “Where do you want your family to be spiritually in six months?”

The answers consistently pointed to three areas: prayer, worship, and family Bible study. That clarity allowed us to design classes around real needs, not just the concerns of the most vocal parents.

How to Build a Class Parents Will Actually Use

Every class we offer follows three guiding principles:

• Be real. Parents don’t need polished perfection. They need honest leaders who acknowledge the struggle.
• Be simple. Fewer ideas, clearly explained, lead to greater follow-through.
• Be interactive. Discipleship is learned by doing, not just listening.

From there, each class follows a repeatable rhythm: choose a relevant topic, research Scripture and trusted resources, narrow the content to two to four actionable points, build in hands-on practice, and provide a meaningful take-home tool.

Handouts matter more than we think. When parents leave with something tangible—something they can reference at bedtime or dinner—it bridges the gap between the classroom and the home.

Equip Beyond the Room

Tools extend the impact of the class. Simple slides reinforce teaching without overwhelming. Follow-up emails help parents who missed a session still engage. One of our most effective additions was a Parent Resource Wall—curated books with QR codes parents could scan and order instantly. It removed friction and made next steps obvious.

Discipleship deepens when support continues after the class ends.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Not every topic should be taught by a Kids Ministry leader—and that’s okay. Some of our strongest classes were co-led with pastors, counselors, and trusted professionals in our church and community. Whether it was conversations about anxiety, sexuality, grief, or online safety, bringing in additional voices added credibility and depth.

Your role doesn’t have to be expert. Often, it’s connector.

The Bottom Line

We get kids for a few hours a week. Parents get them for a lifetime.

When we equip parents, we multiply discipleship. Faith moves from the classroom into car rides, dinner tables, and everyday moments. And parents begin to believe the truth they desperately need to hear:

God has already called you—and He will equip you.

If you’re looking for a next step in strengthening family discipleship, consider starting with parents. The impact will reach far beyond your ministry walls.

Jodie Slongo is the Kids' Director at Stony Creek Church in Utica, Michigan, and has been involved in Kids Ministry since her teenage years. When she's not serving at church, she enjoys spending time with her family. One of their favorite activities is visiting the charming town of Frankenmuth, where they go about once a month. They especially love exploring Bronner's, the world's largest Christmas store, where Jodie is always on the lookout for unique or cool ornaments.