Keys to maintaining a successful summer

Summer is here! And that means kid ministers near and far are busy at work. Now I do not believe there is really a “slow” time in ministry but summer definitely is a “busy” time for children and youth ministers. There just seems to be many things going on during the summer, especially BIG events. A lot of churches will have VBS and kids camp. I know of several that have a mission trip planned for preteen age children. These things are big events, they take a lot of planning, advertising, and footwork.

Along with these bigger events, summer is a great time for smaller events because the kids are not in school. Because of this some churches will add a bowling trip, movie night, crazy game night, the list goes on. The summer might also mean a change in your typical programs, especially Wednesday night. For us, where I currently serve, our RA and GA programs end in May and we have KA’s from June to August. This means that during the summer I plan have to plan our lesson and activities instead of following a set curriculum, which I don’t mind, but it does take more time.

Maybe this summer has caught you by surprise, or just seems more hectic than normal. So here are some keys to maintaining a successful summer.

1. Don’t forget the main thing.

Now this is going to sound simple but let’s face it as things get busy, some stuff gets pushed out of our life. Don’t put God on hold during your summer ministry months. Make sure to still daily spend time in God’s word and in prayer. After all if we aren’t looking to God for direction in our ministry, it really is going to become more of a fun babysitting service than a God empowered, life changing ministry.

2. Don’t forget the second thing.

There is a second thing? I’m sure you might have thought this point was odd, but don’t forget the second thing during the summer, your FAMILY. I can’t tell you how many pastors have warned me, if you lose your family you lose your ministry. This statement holds a lot of truth. But these people often get put aside during busy times because time just doesn’t seem to allow you to be with them. Be sure to plan time with your family during the busy summer schedule. Whether that means taking a personal day or two; or just making sure your open nights are given to time with them.

3. Don’t take your vacation early

Now I personally don’t take a vacation in the summer just because it’s so busy, but that is not what I’m talking about here. When I say don’t take your vacation early, it’s really a nice way of saying don’t get lazy. I know summer is a time when you want to relax and rest. Instead try to make sure you keep on top of planning and preparing for all the awesome events you have planned. It’ll actually make the summer a bit less stressful if you don’t wait till last minute on everything.

4. Rest

Wait, you just said not to get lazy? Right. There is a difference between rest and being lazy. Don’t forget to have a few hours a day or one day a week where you get to rest. After all God rested on the 7^th day (not because he had to) as an example for us. This summer follow his example and get some rest in between events.

Are there any other keys you’ve found to maintaining a successful ministry during the summer? Share them in the comments below.