Become intentional about this and you'll see your ministry grow
over what tends to be a slow period of growth in ministry.
As our minds head towards summer ministries, consider doing something different this year. Is VBS getting stale? Are you tired of competing all summer with Little League? Change your approach!
Focus on: 1.Developing relationships with kids and parents this summer. This will reap huge benefits in the days to come. 2. Outreach. Become intentional about this and you'll see your ministry grow over what is typically a slow time for growth in
ministry.
Relationships:
Pre-teen missions trip: this one could technically count as both outreach and relationship building. Find a shelter in need of some help and gather a group of ten or so kids and take them for a two night trip away. Plan a little fun in the trip as well.
Intentionally develop leaders during this trip by having kids lead group devotions, etc.
Interact in small groups: Take a group of 5th grade girls out for lunch or a group of 2nd grade boys. Design small groups that you can spend time with throughout the summer. Go for an ice cream cone or a Coke. Ministry done in these relaxed, small groups will have long lasting effects.
Focus on parents: Intentionally get to know parents better. How can you better know/understand their needs? Choose a Sunday night per month and host a BBQ for parents of 4th graders, etc. It's a great way for you to get to know them in a relaxed environment.
Outreach: Our VBS programs are often strong when it comes to outreach. So planning other outreach events is important if you decide to change your approach.
Plan a fun event at a local park or trailer park: Pass popsicles out on a hot summer day. Take a game that you can invite others to play with you in the park. Engage in conversations with groups of kids. Make sure that you take a team along and get permission ahead of time.
Set up a table at your local summer fair. Offer brochures and even some give a ways informing parents of what yours is all about.
Little League outreach. Offer to purchase Cokes for all players following a game on a hot summer day.
Pool Party: rent out a local pool and invite as many kids from the neighborhood as possible compliments of your ministry.
Sometimes we're tempted to coast during the summer. If we intentionally plan ways to build into relationships and offer exciting outreach opportunities during the summer, our ministries will receive a running start when we launch new things this fall.
What are your ministry plans this summer?
Focus on: 1.Developing relationships with kids and parents this summer. This will reap huge benefits in the days to come. 2. Outreach. Become intentional about this and you'll see your ministry grow over what is typically a slow time for growth in
ministry.
Relationships:
Pre-teen missions trip: this one could technically count as both outreach and relationship building. Find a shelter in need of some help and gather a group of ten or so kids and take them for a two night trip away. Plan a little fun in the trip as well.
Intentionally develop leaders during this trip by having kids lead group devotions, etc.
Interact in small groups: Take a group of 5th grade girls out for lunch or a group of 2nd grade boys. Design small groups that you can spend time with throughout the summer. Go for an ice cream cone or a Coke. Ministry done in these relaxed, small groups will have long lasting effects.
Focus on parents: Intentionally get to know parents better. How can you better know/understand their needs? Choose a Sunday night per month and host a BBQ for parents of 4th graders, etc. It's a great way for you to get to know them in a relaxed environment.
Outreach: Our VBS programs are often strong when it comes to outreach. So planning other outreach events is important if you decide to change your approach.
Plan a fun event at a local park or trailer park: Pass popsicles out on a hot summer day. Take a game that you can invite others to play with you in the park. Engage in conversations with groups of kids. Make sure that you take a team along and get permission ahead of time.
Set up a table at your local summer fair. Offer brochures and even some give a ways informing parents of what yours is all about.
Little League outreach. Offer to purchase Cokes for all players following a game on a hot summer day.
Pool Party: rent out a local pool and invite as many kids from the neighborhood as possible compliments of your ministry.
Sometimes we're tempted to coast during the summer. If we intentionally plan ways to build into relationships and offer exciting outreach opportunities during the summer, our ministries will receive a running start when we launch new things this fall.
What are your ministry plans this summer?
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