For the meeting, take Search's list, found at www.search-institute.org/assets/assetlists.html for either .html or .pdf version, and place one at every place setting for every parent. After explaining to the parents how these 40 Developmental Assetts were developed, allow them time to checkmark every asset that they think their teen has. Then allow for open discussion. Since these areas are important to a parent, they will talk.

During the open discussion, steer the conversation to allow time for parents to share:

• what they have done to nurture a certain asset
• areas where they are weak in (this will be tricky)
• where the church and the youth ministry fall in responsibility
• how can the youth ministry (your responsibility) better help the parents in the areas of responsibility

For the latter part of the discussion, use a white board to write down all of their ideas. Every idea, no matter how silly or duplicative they are. This little effort reinforces that you really do value what the parents have to say and what comes out of these meetings.

Close the meeting saying that you will take to heart and prayer these suggestions and you will honestly incorporate them into the youth ministry. Also have every individual look over their checked assets to judge for themselves if they are raising their child with balanced assets. Encourage them to balance that out and emphasize that you will also be running a balanced youth ministry.

This parent meeting could be repeated annually for the new parents, as a reminder for the other parents, and as a way to help you plan your youth ministry.