3 Simple Yet Effective Ideas To Strengthen Your Ministry This Summer

My sons woke up in glee last week when they realized summer vacation had finally started. Why wouldn’t they be excited? Summer is a season full of adventure and fun. It’s a break from the norm.

In summer, my schedule changes too, but not in the same way. It changes because people’s schedules are more fluid. The temptation is to wind down, but the reality is that summer is a BIG OPPORTUNITY to grow your ministry. It’s a chance to break from the usual routine and grow your ministry. So, take advantage of summer by trying out these 3 different ideas:

#1: MEET WITH AS MANY PEOPLE POSSIBLE

Teens are all over the place during the summer. It can be easy to lose momentum, especially if they aren’t involved in your summer events. It’s important to stay in touch so try:

• Visiting them at their jobs (They might throw you a discount if they are working at a fast food joint)
• Creating casual gatherings at odd times (midday Bible Study) or public places (small groups at the local ice cream shop) where teens can drop in to say hello.

In addition to connecting with your teens, look at engaging your volunteers. We take for granted how much we see them during the year. In the summer months grab lunch or coffee with them to see how they are doing. Make it relational and build up trust that will carry on into the fall when things get a little more hectic.

#2: TAKE ON A VISION CASTING PROJECT

A lot of people view summer as an opportunity to plan curriculum for the rest of the year. But, before you get bogged down on what you want to teach start thinking about how you want to teach it. In other words, use the summer to redesign your ministry.

Spend the first couple of weeks inviting parents, volunteers and teen leaders to help you do some research. Think about:

• Who you want to reach
• What you want for the next generation
• How to get more people on board

Set goals and realign your ministry. If you need assistance with this check out the Realignment Kit in the MYM Toolbox HERE. 

Use this seasons to think big, dream big and make the changes you’ve always wanted to make.

#3: EXERCISE YOUR MARGIN

Even if your schedule doesn’t reflect it there is a summertime mentality that helps you breathe. Take advantage of that mindset to impact your fall. Before the beginning of fall sit down and lock in the following items on your calendar:

• Once a week spend at least 30 minutes in prayer
• Once a week spend at least 30 minutes learning through podcasts, videos, books or articles
• Figure out when you should set up meetings, writing and doing. Check out Daniel Pink’s new book WHEN for more.

This is the time to restructure a fall so that you don’t burn out after one month. It’s a season where you can build the margin you need to breathe, focus and take on the challenges that ministry brings.

Summer will be fun and it will fly by. But, don’t let it go by without taking advantage of changes that you need to make.

What are you going to be doing differently this summer? 

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