The Summer of Youth Ministry

One of the things that I don't get in youth ministry is when youth workers shut their youth ministry down for the summer. They have their last youth ministry gathering right before final exams an then they don't start back up until after Labour Day in September.

Am I the only one who thinks this is ridiculous?

Students time availability is increased in the summer. Sure they might be going to camp or the cottage for a few weeks but you have a great opportunity to spend time with your students on their turf. You may want to change your ministry schedule through the summer but not shut it down.

Summer Suggestions

Road Trip: gives you a chance to spend a concentrated amount of time traveling to a specific destination and then sharing an experience together. This gives you unlimited access into the lives of 3-5 students (more or less depending on the size of your vehicle).

Parks Canada App

Backyard Movie: all you need here is a white sheet hung up, a projector, speakers and a DVD play and you can have a late night carless drive-in. If you have access to a backyard with a pool it's really awesome to hang out in the pool while watching the movie. Don't forget to be really creative in your food selection.

Canoe/Camping: one or two nights is all you need for a trip like this. If your looking for packing tips and somewhere to go in Canada I would HIGHLY recommend the new app by Parks Canada.

What have you done during the summer to connect with students and/or parents?

Enjoy your summer

September!?!

March Break is finished this weekend and what begins next week is the beginning of spring and soon a transition into summer. The next 90 days of youth ministry are fast and furious and full of transitions. Easter, May long weekend, school & ministry shifting into summer mode, then gearing up for summer planning for your fall launch, PLUS budget planning and submission (if your organization is in this cycle.

Here's a few things that you can do to keep your schedule balanced and your spiritual life in tact during the next 90-120 of ministry before September.

1. Pray. Schedule a daily time of prayer, asking God for wisdom, discernment, and guidance as you start to make plans. Asking Him that you will be sensitive to the leading of His Holy Spirit as you move ahead and the days in the calendar tick by.
2. Notes. Make lots and lots of notes of what you're hearing God say and what you are hearing the Holy Spirit say to you about what the future holds.
3. Read. Don't just read ministry books, read biographies of George Muller & Hudson Taylor, both free on KOBO as suggestions.
4. Share. Share your ideas and thoughts about the future of ministry with 3 trusted individuals. Two should be key volunteers and one ministry peer, that you respect, from another ministry. Get their thoughts and ideas of what you're sharing from your heart and conversations with God.

I'm praying for you that you will have fun in the next 90-120 days and that they will also be some of the best days of your ministry year. We start this thing all back up in September.

Jeff Smyth