STUDENT MINISTRY: Summer Fun
Student ministry is a strange entity. While many who work with students in school enjoy a summer break, student ministry workers understand that things are only going to intensify. Whether you feel excited or apprehensive about June, July and August, there’s no doubt that you’ll be a bit busier than usual. Mission trips, conferences and camps are just a few activities we must navigate. It can be exhausting. However, we know from experience that our students are more open and receptive during this time due to the absence of distractions.
We understand the truth of the summer season, but it can still be difficult. Let me encourage you to embrace a few things as you seek to do more than just survive summer, but thrive:
• Don’t forget to look into the mirror of God’s Word. Too often, we spend our summers moving from one activity to another without considering the impact on our students and ourselves. We need to understand that God may have a message in all that we do and encounter. God’s Word allows us to see where we are at and evaluate if we are doing certain things simply out of tradition rather than meaningful ministry. The Bible also serves as a place for self-evaluation and growth.
• Don’t forget to check in on your family. This is particularly true if your children are younger than youth-group age. Your primary ministry is your home. Make sure that your children and spouse are coping well with the trips and the added responsibilities you carry during the summer months.
• Plan some time away before or after the bulk of your summer work. It could involve camping, fishing or numerous other activities. I would also suggest a trip just for you and another for you and your family. It’s important to recharge before or after these events, as a time to rest is always necessary.
Is summer ministry fun? Sometimes it’s a blast, but at other times, it can be equally exhausting. Prepare yourself for the work by spending time in the Word and establishing some guardrails that will assist you in your efforts to impact students.
Join the conversation at Facebook.com/groups/StudentMinistryMattersCommunity and tell us how you navigate and survive your summers.
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Dan Carson
BMA Youth Department Director Dan Carson writes a weekly column titled, Student Ministry Matters, through which he inspires, challenges, and informs BMA of Arkansas churches and church staff about all things pertaining to student ministry.
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