"Most of our congregations already have all that we need in order to be helpful to parents. What is lacking is a solid base of information about what is needed by parents and specific insights about how we can help. . . .At last, here is informed, wise, and practical guidance for parents who would be Christians and Christians who would be parents. Building upon the guidance received through Search Institute's research in congregations and with parents, Jolene and Eugene Roehlkepartain have produced a wonderfully useful and encouraging book. Embracing Parents is just what we churches need to help our parents fulfill our vocation."   --From the Foreword by Will Willimon  Includes key research findings, true stories, quizzes, checklists, and practical tools that congregations can use to become more effective.  Even the most experienced pastor and church leader will find new ways to strengthen their families - and their church. A poll of 1,005 parents in the United States, which was released in November 2002 by Search Institute and YMCA of the USA, found five key findings: 1)     Most parents surveyed are going it alone. 2)     Many parents interviewed lack a strong relationship with a spouse or a partner. 3)     A majority of parents surveyed feel successful as parents most of the time. 4)     Most parents polled face ongoing challenges. 5)     Many things these parents say would help them as parents are easy thing others can do. When churches use these research findings, they will find that not only will these strategies benefit families but they also will benefit their church. Embracing Parents challenges pastors and other church leaders to expand their vision, to become proactive in meeting the needs of families, and to provide a key place where parents and their children can grow.