I know it’s the beginning of summer, but do you remember one of the first activities you did as a child when you returned to school in the fall? Normally, there was an early assignment on “what you did this summer.” Whether it was writing about swimming lessons, drawing a picture of where you traveled, or sharing a great “show and tell” souvenir, the return of school was a time of reflection from the previous couple of months.
But, before you can reflect on this summer, you have to make plans for this summer! If you lead the ministry to women in your local church, you might be taking the summer “off” or using this time as a break in activities. Instead, summer is a great opportunity for you to continue the work of ministering to women.
If you’re looking for effective ways to minister to women this summer, consider these five ideas:
1. Summer Bible studies. Many times, churches take the summer off when it comes to leading Bible studies. While summer Bible studies may have challenges, there are also ways you can keep women in God’s Word. First, consider the number of schoolteachers you have in your congregation. Summer is one of the best times for them to do a study, so don’t overlook this opportunity. Consider going through a book instead of a study with weekly homework. Create casual small groups in homes and discuss a chapter each week. If someone has to miss a week, it’s easy to jump back in when they return.
2. As a leader, consider doing an online Bible study this summer. Whether it’s for your personal enrichment or you are preparing to lead a study in the fall, online Bible studies allow you to finish content based on your timetable. Lifeway is offering Jen Wilkin’s study God of Creation beginning June 21. Purchase the study book, watch the videos online for free, and stay in God’s Word this summer. Click here to register.
3. Plan for the fall. Summer might be a time of regrouping your leadership team or making plans for the fall. Change up your meeting by doing something fun together, but take time to plan fall studies and events.
4. Host a fellowship event. Keep women connected with a light and fun evening of fellowship. Consider offering summer refreshments like an ice cream sundae bar or plan an evening for women to share their stories with one another. Be strategic and promote your fall plans and give women the opportunity to sign up.
5. Take women on a mission trip. It’s a little late to plan a big international trip for this summer, but it’s not too late to organize a local mission trip or provide service opportunities. Plan a small trip to an international market, organize a prayer walk near your church, or collect items for a community ministry. Women may have more margin for service opportunities in the summer than other times of the year, so don’t neglect creating these opportunities. (And it’s not too early to start planning an international trip for the following year!)
Whatever your women’s ministry plans this summer, mix things up from the normal schedule, include new women, and most of all, have a little fun!
Kelly King is the Women’s Ministry Specialist for Lifeway Christian Resources and oversees the YOU Lead events. Join her this year and get to know her heart for ministry leaders. Follow her on Twitter @kellydking.
