Making the Most of Summer Ministry
Making the Most of Summer Ministry
Summer ministry can be exciting and challenging at the same time. With family vacations, camps, and sports activities, volunteer participation and child attendance can fluctuate from week to week. However, you have the opportunity to truly pour into children in unique ways during this time.
Summer is an opportunity to have fun and accomplish some of the types of events that aren’t possible during the school year. If you use a particular curriculum or run a Bible club, you are on a tight schedule with not a lot of room to add new ideas. More relaxed schedules for families, plenty of daylight, and warm weather all make the summer weeks the perfect time to use creativity and lead your ministries from a fresh perspective.
It is very important to plan out the entire summer in advance because great ideas get lost if you do not prepare for them. The first thing you want to do is pray for guidance from the Holy Spirit. He knows the perfect summer plan for your ministry.
Isaiah 30:21 says, “Your own ears will hear Him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way
you should go,” whether to the right or to the left.”
Also, involve the kids in your planning. Ask for their input about what they would like to learn and do. To kick-off your summer, begin with a vibrant event, such as a VBS or revival, which builds excitement for all that is going to happen in the coming weeks.
As you look toward summer ministry, let your excitement grow. God has a plan for the children of your community, and He wants to accomplish it through you!
You may live in a part of the world where summer is later in the year, December through February. Save this newsletter and use it to plan ministry when summer comes around for you.
Ideas You Can Use
Vacation Bible School
There are many different ways to structure a Vacation Bible school in the summer. The traditional VBS offers a 3-5 day or night program. While still a great option, if you are looking for something different, click the button below for new ideas.
Summer is a great time to get children involved in service. A vital component of discipleship, service allows children to take the focus off themselves and become the hands and feet of Jesus.
Bible Study and Prayer
Summer is the perfect time to help children develop Bible study, scripture memory, and prayer habits that can continue into the school year.
Special Events
Most children’s ministers have ideas for special events they would love to see happen at their church. Summer is the time to turn those ideas into reality.
Volunteers…and Other Great Ideas
Still wanting more fresh ideas for the summer? We couldn’t fit them all into special categories, so check out our extra collection!
Back to School Celebration
Before you realize it, summer will come to an end. Plan a back to school event to celebrate the fun of summer and help kids anticipate a new school year.
RESOURCES
Click here for a complete list of summer ministry resources
Contributing Editor: Cathy Baggerly
Cathy Baggerly joined the Peerless Road Church staff in December of 2005 as their full-time children’s pastor. She directs all ministries for children from birth to fifth grade. She has been working with kids for over 20 years and is passionate about seeing them love the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength and love others. She and her husband Lee were married in 1987 and have three children: Malorie, Logan and Emma.