5 Ideas That Will Level Up Your Summer
This summer will be full of surprises. Unlike other summers - excluding 2020 - there will be opportunities for enrichment for you and your students that you never dreamed possible.
To that end, consider the following five ideas for enriching your summer:
Gather. The value of gathering may never be more critical in our ministries. Gathering for the purpose of deep conversations and experiences is becoming more valuable as we start to make sense of this last year and heal.
Our groups are not the same and this has nothing to do with numbers. Strategic gatherings will give us the opportunity to heal, get strong, and push forward when the time is right.
It’s a lot to ask for patience when that seems contrary but be patient. Gather and let a sense of purpose emerge. What you learn here will prepare you for what’s next.
Sabbath. It seems strange to think that a Student Minister could Sabbath during the summer where one is so busy. I advocate for this time because the calm in the midst of the storm is quietest.
A coach once told me that you get better in the offseason. I believe the summer is the offseason for the Student Minister. Sure, you are busy but most of the events are planned in advance (maybe that’s the key). So, find space between the events to wind down. Then you will be ready to sprint when the time comes.
Focus. For summer events we need to be all in. These events include some of the largest gatherings on our calendar and we need to give it our best. Don’t compromise here. Gather, Sabbath, and get after it. You will be ready.
Finish. One of my mantras for events is, “Camp (or fill in the blank) is not over until the follow-up is complete.” And yes, that includes putting away all the post-camp clutter. This one can be difficult particularly if you try to Sabbath after camp, but decisions and communication with family can’t wait. Tweak your process or find another time for Sabbath.
There is plenty of room for debate on this one and this is where I have received most of the push back. Wrestle with the tension but don’t drop the ball.
Plan. Summer is a hard time to plan, but it is the most critical time to plan for the Fall. Of the three seasons of Student Ministry, I believe the fall is the most important.