Several years ago, while on a weekend getaway with my wife, we spent some time in one of those rapidly multiplying outlet shopping centers that seem to populate the American cultural landscape, let alone almost every exit along the interstate highway system. Our quick shopping excursion took us into a perfume and cologne shop, where we almost needed the contents of Fort Knox to purchase a small bottle of the latest and hottest perfume. This sure isn’t my normal practice, but I just happened to have a crisp, new fifty dollar bill in my wallet, which I took out in an attempt to pay for my wife’s acquisition. The clerk’s very public reaction startled me so much that even now, several years later, I can remember the particulars of her ensuing reaction.

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Youth ministry, at its very essence, is really a ministry to parents. As veteran youth worker Dewey Bertolini said, “Our ultimate effectiveness with teenagers may depend upon our concerted effort to gain an influence in the homes of our youth.” Sure, youth workers can have a real impact on the lives of impressionable youth, but our most effective long-term ministry may indeed be our entrance into the lives and hearts of parents.

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