What Parents Wish Their Pastor Knew
In this video, Rob Hoskins shares what parents wish kids pastors and church leaders understood—especially that parents are the greatest influence on a child’s long-term faith, but many don’t realize it or feel confident in it.
Topics covered include:
- Parents as the #1 influence on spiritual formation
- Why faith conversations are often avoided at home (fear, overwhelm, uncertainty)
- What research says parents are carrying (anxiety, mental health, finances)
- The church’s opportunity to close the gap between Sunday and the rest of the week
- Why Walk With exists (simple, research-based tools for real-life parent ministry)
Key takeaway for leaders
- Parents aren’t an interruption to kids ministry—they’re your greatest discipleship asset.
- Don’t assume parents feel confident or know the impact they have—name it and reinforce it often.
- Many parents aren’t silent because they don’t care; they’re silent because they’re afraid of getting it wrong.
- The church should step into that fear with practical, low-burden support that helps faith form at home.
- Think beyond programs: focus on bridging Sunday experiences to Monday rhythms through simple tools, research, and repeatable strategies.