I’m always looking to learn from leaders who lean in to culture to help reach families, aren’t you?!  I viewed a recent interview on Inc magazine’s site by Reid Hoffman.  He had a lot to say about culture and websites and learning.   I’m always looking to learn from leaders who lean in to culture to help reach families.   The author made a  great point church leaders need to pay attention to.  Hoffman said, “We live in a network age. What are your plans for being found?”

It’s a  great question for your church to both consider and act on.   Your parents at your church are of a new breed with being wired. Everyone is communicating via a plethora of social media choices.   HOW are you leaning in to these amazing tools?    What are your plans for being found as a ministry that partners with parents?

Parents are on the go. They are pulled in many directions, and need info stat.  As with any mission field, you first look at how best to lean in culture you are reaching, right?!  So… if you want to reach parents in your church and community  connect using their language: social texts, emails or social media?  You should.  If you want to attract families,  enter their world to partner with them.

How about your website (gulp)?   Now more than ever, parents are most likely visit your website before visiting your church.  Is the first impression you give filled with outdated dissertation, doctrinal statements or elder photo’s (yikes)?   It really only takes about 10 seconds  to get a first impression of how important partnering with families in your church is.  What’s at first glance for parent to see? Is it outdated? Is it filled with  insider info?

Here are some key helps for a great parent friendly site.  Best church websites make it super EZ for a parent to gain info.

Keep it simple.  Lose the churchy words. Keep the site and info updated.  Simplify!  Phrases like: we love kids, or,  your kids will LOVE it here.  We have fun learning about God and His ways.

Your family ministry team needs to unite crib to college w/ a social media plan. What are your plans for being found?