As the season changes and school schedules begin winding down to give way to summer, women’s ministry leaders wrestle with the same question: Should we offer Bible study in the summer? This question comes up year after year, and there are valid arguments for both affirmative and negative responses. Scripture commands us to not forsake meeting together, so let’s dig into some of the reasons why you should provide Bible study opportunities during the summer.
Summer is the perfect opportunity to think outside the box. Many women’s ministries can slip into a rut of doing the same type of thing the same way at the same time with the same people and the same leaders. When we do that, we can miss out on all those who don’t fit into that mold. If you wonder why there are segments of your women who aren’t involved in groups you offer, then consider that it could be because the way you offer groups currently doesn’t fit into their lifestyles.
Bible study in the summer can look different. It can be at a different time and place so that you reach even more women or a different group of women than you do during the school year. S large segment of women work in conjunction with school calendars. When school is out, they have more flexible schedules and may appreciate that you offer something that works for them, making them feel valued.
It is also a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop some new leaders. Instead of the same person leading or facilitating every week, you can use a team approach so that you ease rookie women into the fun and privilege of leading without as much pressure. Combining seasoned leaders with newer or younger women can help equip and train those women to help lead and expand your pool of leaders who will eventually help multiply your groups so that more and more people are involved in studying God’s Word.
Summer is also great for trying out a new format. Maybe you include an online option to keep people included as they travel. You can make it so that participants can view the video teaching in an on-demand type of way, and then later gather to discuss either in person or in group texts. In that style, each text group connects in their own time frame even as all the groups study the same material or read the same book of the Bible. I’ve seen this work powerfully, and it’s a wonderful tool to introduce women to their need for the Word of God on a daily basis without being intimidating.
Imagine the impact that multiple groups of women committing to being in God’s Word daily could have. Once they taste and see how the Bible is real and relevant to their lives, they will be more likely to stay involved in it after summer draws to a close.
With longer days and different schedules, summer is the just the right time to introduce and involve those who are new or new to Bible study in a less intimidating format that makes it easier to incorporate Scripture into their lives.
Women need to be spiritually fed ALL the time, and God has given us the privilege of leading in ministering to them. Ephesians 5:15-16 commands us to take advantage of every opportunity because the days are evil. It is critical that we don’t neglect summer as an opportunity to reach women and equip them to live more abundant lives.
Make sure to check out this article by Gayla Parker about why your Bible study small should take the summer off.
ABOUT RACHEL LOVINGOOD
For more ministry leadership ideas, follow Rachel on social media or check out her website rachellovingood.com You can also join her free online community by texting the word join to 833.540.3959 to receive free resources and biblical teaching.
