Though the summer months may bring challenges for the Church, like a slump in attendance and giving, as well as fewer available ministry workers, it also opens doors to new possibilities in ministry not present during other seasons of the year. Since God created our world to experience seasons (Ps. 74:17; 104:19), let’s adapt and “make the most of every opportunity” (Eph. 5:16, Col. 4:5).
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Help with the Effects of Summer on the Church and Ministry
These articles address some areas affected during the summer months:
- 5 Summer Challenges Parents Face and 7 Ways to Help
- 7 Summer Staffing Solutions to Maximize Your Ministry
- How To Help Your Church Overcome A Slump In Summer Offerings
- How to Prepare Your Small-Group Ministry for Summer
- Sunday School During Summer Months
- Teacher Training Over the Summer Months
- What Should Small Groups Do Over the Summer?
- Will the Summer Slump Lead to a Frazzled Fall?
Ideas for Ministry Over the Summer Months
These articles look at summer outreach and other ideas for the summer ministry.
General:
- 4 Tips for a Big Summer in Your Small Church
- 5 Ways Small Groups Can Handle Summer
- 6 Can’t-Miss Steps to Ministry Success this Summer
- 6 Tips for Summer Church Growth
- 7 Summer Faith Builders for Families to Try Together
- Eighteen Ideas for Summer Church Fun
- How to Organize Your Own Summer Bible Study – 6 Tips
- Strategy for summer communications, remember visitors, delete hidden jargon, don’t host a money-divided event
- What do your church communications say about the priorities of your church, especially in the summer?
Children:
- 5 Major Tips for Your Summer Outreach Programs
- 24 Wet and Wild Summer Ideas for Children’s Ministry
- Creative Summer Programming in Children’s Ministry
- How to Change Up Summer Programming in Your Ministry
- How to Make the Most of the Summer with Your Kids
Youth:
- 3 Reasons Spontaneous Summer Activities are a Win for Your Youth Ministry
- Summer Is a Liar
- Summer Youth Activities Can Offer Teens Spontaneous, Surprising Fun
Ministry Resources for the Summer Season
God’s creation is on full display during the summer months so why not bring some of it inside through handouts and decor.
Bulletins for Summer:
- Show Forth the Praises of Him (1 Peter 2:9 Bulletin (pkg. of 100)
- More Summer Bulletins
- Worship Bulletins for Kids: Spring and Summer – for ages 3-6 and 7-12, reproducible book
Bulletin Boards for Summer:
- Article with Ideas – Seasonal Bulletin Boards: Summer
- Book with Ideas – Summer Bulletin Boards
- Book with Ideas – Interactive Summer Bulletin Boards
- Book with Ideas – Creative Ministry Bulletin Boards – Summer
- Butterflies Cut-outs
- Rainbow Cut-outs
- Sun Cut-outs
Misc. Resources Without a Christian Emphasis But Could Be Useful to Some Ministry Events or Activities:
- Outdoor Games
- Stickers with Bees
- Stickers with Butterflies
- Stickers the Sun
- Summer-Themed Decorations
- Summer-Themed Party Supplies
You Might Also Be Interested in Resources for These Summer Holidays and Seasonal Events:
For Other Seasons of the Year, go to: Seasonal Ministry Resources