STRENGTHENING PARENT AND TEACHER COLLABORATION IN IFGF KIDS
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.”
(1 Corinthians 3:6 NIV)
Children’s ministry at church is not merely about providing spiritual education on Sundays—it is a continuous process that requires active contributions from both parties: the teachers at IFGF Kids and the parents at home.
In 1 Corinthians 3:6, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that he and Apollos had different roles in the ministry, and only God can bring true growth. This teaches us that while our collaborative efforts are valuable, the final result is entirely the work of God.
Different Roles, Same Purpose
Teachers at IFGF Kids play a vital role in planting seeds of faith in the hearts of children. They do more than just teach Bible verses—they help shape character and instill life values based on God’s Word. However, the seeds planted on Sunday must be watered regularly at home to ensure their growth. This is where the role of parents becomes essential.
Parents serve as key partners in this process. They are the “waterers” who strengthen and nourish the seeds that have been planted by the teachers at church. Parents are responsible for bringing the teachings received at church into daily life. The task of parenting is a divine calling—to raise children in the fear of the Lord and nurture them in His love.
Collaboration That Requires Shared Awareness
For churches that understand this concept of collaboration, they recognize that the church and the home are two environments that support each other, not separate entities. Cooperation between teachers and parents must be built through continuous communication and a shared commitment.
If we look to the Bible, we find that this pattern of collaboration has existed since ancient times. In the book of Deuteronomy, God commanded the people of Israel to “teach His words to their children—when they sit at home, walk along the road, lie down, and get up” (Deuteronomy 6:7). This is a profound principle: spiritual education does not only take place in the worship space, but in every aspect of daily life.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Collaboration
To build a strong partnership between teachers and parents, we need to take practical steps that can reinforce this relationship.
1. Building Open Communication
- Practical Step: Hold regular meetings between parents and teachers to share updates on the child’s development, what has been learned, and areas that need attention.
- Example: Create a WhatsApp group or send out a monthly email to provide updates on IFGF Kids activities, memory verses, and current lesson themes.
2. Aligning Learning Goals
- Practical Step: Ensure that both parents and teachers share the same goals in raising children in the faith. This can begin with an initial meeting to discuss the vision and mission of IFGF Kids and how it can be applied at home.
- Example: At the beginning of each semester or month, teachers can hold an orientation session for parents to introduce the upcoming themes in IFGF Kids and explain how parents can support them at home.
3. Hosting Regular Parenting Classes
- Practical Step: Organize parenting classes or seminars for parents to better equip and prepare them to support their children’s spiritual growth at home.
- Example: Invite speakers or experts in Christian parenting to share insights on how to nurture a child’s faith at home through family prayer, Bible reading, and modeling Christlike behavior.
4. Sharing Prayer and Spiritual Support
- Practical Step: Invite parents to pray together with teachers at the end of each meeting or even during services, asking God to bless the children and grant wisdom to both parents and teachers.
- Example: At the end of each month, teachers and parents can hold a joint prayer session for the children, specifically praying that God would guide them in their journey of faith.
5. Creating Opportunities for Parental Involvement
- Practical Step: Provide opportunities for parents to be directly involved in IFGF Kids activities, such as volunteering for special events or assisting in classroom activities.
- Example: Host events like “Parents Day” or “Family Fun Day” where parents can join their children in learning activities or participate in games and group discussions.
6. Providing Constructive Feedback
- Practical Step: Teachers give feedback to parents regarding the child’s spiritual, social, and emotional development, along with suggestions for areas of improvement. Parents can also share feedback with teachers about how their child is responding to the lessons at home.
- Example: Organize one-on-one meetings between teachers and parents to discuss the child’s progress and challenges faced both at home and at church.
God who Gives the Growth
Even though our role in planting and watering the seeds of faith is vital, we must always remember that true growth comes from God. 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us that without God’s involvement, all our efforts would be in vain, because only God can bring the growth.
God works in His way, in His perfect timing, and within the hearts of the children we serve. Often, we may not immediately see the results of our collaboration. Perhaps the child doesn’t seem to fully understand yet, or it appears they haven’t grown as we had hoped. But we must trust that every seed planted and watered faithfully will, in its time, grow and bear fruit.
United in a Divine Responsibility
As teachers and parents, we are co-laborers with God in guiding the next generation. Our responsibility is not only to impart knowledge about God but also to nurture deep faith and lead these children to live according to His calling. This collaboration is not merely about dividing tasks—it is a shared calling to disciple children in the love and truth of God.
Let us carry out our roles with confidence, knowing that it is God Himself who brings the growth. With strong cooperation between teachers and parents, we will surely witness a generation deeply rooted in faith and ready to be a light to the world.
Source: Luciana Crhistina (IFGF Kids Global Team)
