Making the Most of Summer Ministry
Looking back to your childhood, I’ll guess that some of your best memories were created in the summer. I remember the feeling of freedom on the last day of school, looking forward to summertime adventures—playing outside, going to the beach, checking out stacks of books from the library, going to VBS, and camping with friends. Let’s recapture that childlike excitement of enjoying all that summer has to offer.
Summer is a unique time of the year in children’s ministry. It can be busy preparing for and hosting events like VBS or camp. At the same time, June, July, and August feel a bit more relaxed with extra room to breathe. There’s no school and the stress that that entails with homework and after-school commitments. If some of your church’s regular programs pause until school starts again, your ministry responsibilities are less demanding, the weather is pleasant, and God’s creation is in full bloom. Utilizing this time of year to invest in relationships is a great way to make the most of summer.
As a child, summer felt endless, but as an adult, it disappears in a blink. If we want to make the most of the summer months, it’s important to take the time to think ahead and put plans on the calendar. Here are some ways you can enjoy every bit of it for yourself, with your family and friends, and with the parents and children you serve.
Time for Yourself
It’s easy to focus on pouring out for others before we consider ourselves. However, doing things that fill you up isn’t selfish; it’s very healthy and necessary. As summer begins, make a list of some things that you’d like to do personally over the next few months. Whether it’s hiking, going to the beach, reading a book just for fun, or spending time on a favorite hobby, find something you want to do over the next few months and make it part of your regular routine. Pick a time each week to enjoy an activity just for you and treat it like keeping appointments with others. If you don’t take your good intentions and put them into practice, it’s easy to let them slip away.
Time With Your Family and Friends
We were created to be in community with one another and need to connect with our own families and friends and nurture those relationships. With summer’s slower pace providing more opportunities to get together, it’s a great time to prioritize getting together. If you have children, you can work together as summer approaches to come up with activities that you want to do before another school year begins. Choose things you could do daily, weekly, and monthly and put them on the calendar. There are many free or low-cost activities to choose from. Read a chapter of a book together each night before bed, go on a bike ride or a walk, plan and cook meals together, or play board games. Take advantage of programs offered through the library, city rec, or museum. Learn a new skill or take up a new hobby. If a vacation isn’t in your budget, consider a staycation over the summer. With your extended family and friends, make regular coffee dates, go hiking, go on picnics, or participate in a Bible study together. Whatever it is that you decide to do, put it on the calendar and keep those dates just like you would at work.
Time with the Parents, Children, and Volunteers at Church
Once you have a plan to refresh and recharge as an individual and with your family and friends, think about activities you can offer throughout the summer. These don’t have to be on a large scale at all. In fact, easy and casual is often the most meaningful way to bring families together. Focus on relationship building and low-prep kinds of activities. Facilitate get-togethers for families at a local park, pool, or beach as a connection time for children and parents. Plan a potluck-style picnic. Organize a movie night at church or a sports-related activity like a kickball game. Offer these kinds of things at different times of day to make it easy for families to participate as their schedules allow. And don’t forget, anytime you can provide food and snacks is an extra bonus! These kinds of low-key activities are so helpful for people to nurture relationships with one another and build connections in small group settings.
Approach this summer with anticipation as you enjoy times to refuel by yourself, with your own friends and family, and with the people you serve at church. Take advantage of the extra time to have fun that the summer months provide. Making the most of summertime is worth the investment.
