Youth workers are some of the most fearless people I know.

I know youth workers who lead mission trips all over the globe, put 100 kids on snowboards or drink three cans of pure caffeine in 60 seconds for a smattering of youth group laughs. In terms of energy and an adventuresome spirit, youth workers often graduate at the top of the class.

Nothing can scare them—nothing, that is, except one terrifying little word: Parents!

Suddenly, the bravery and courage melt. Whispering the word parents around a youth worker is like handing a suitcase full of kryptonite to Superman.

Some youth workers continue to have an unfortunate fear of parents; but what if in doing so we are undercutting one of our biggest ministry allies?

Here's a quick multiple choice test that can help you gauge your parental fear level. Parents are:

a) The people I need to keep happy.

b) An interesting side excursion from my real ministry to teenagers.

c) An unfortunate byproduct in childbearing.

d) The best opportunity our ministry has in reaching unchurched kids in our community.

Although I haven't always felt this way, my answer is D. Smart youth workers will recognize the value of this currency for reaching kids and families who don't know Christ.

It All Starts on the Bleachers

Today, many thousands of adult conversations will happen in the number one social venue of today's American parents. Those conversations will happen on the bleachers while parents talk to other parents and watch their kids participate in athletics, music, drama or other activities.

What if some of this bleacher talk could be about your church, organization or youth ministry?

Make no mistake: Potential life-changing decisions will be made on the bleachers. Should I let my kids go to that church's camp? Do I trust the adults who are working with the kids there? What are they really teaching kids?

The following is a sample of the decision power of bleacher talk:

"I'm guessing you've probably heard the soccer program sponsored by the city is really hurting," one mom told another. They'd known each other about four weeks since their daughters started swimming together and struck up a friendship.

"No, I didn't know that. I heard they had a good soccer program. What happened?"

"The coaches they've hired this year aren't really that good with kids," she answered. "My friend Jill even said they yelled at her daughter last week for being late. She felt terrible."

"That's too bad. I guess we'll have to find something else for Allie to do this year."

The value of parents' opinions expressed on the bleachers is priceless. More than any brochure you develop, program you create or parent meeting you host, the vibe parents get from other parents on the bleachers will determine perception of your ministry; and those perceptions will influence decisions.

Now, imagine the following conversation happening about your ministry: