Ministry often moves at a sprint in the summer. Between school-year wrap-ups, graduations, mission trips, camps, and family vacations, it’s easy for the season to pass without intention. But summer offers more than activity—it holds potential for deep connection and lasting formation.
Whether you’re leading youth, children, or adult ministries, now is the time to make a few strategic decisions that will help you—and your ministry—thrive. These four summer ministry ideas are simple to implement and make space for what matters most.
Summer naturally creates margin for spontaneous connection.
As programs shift and rhythms relax, brief interactions—walking between activities, waiting for a ride, setting up snacks—can become meaningful conversations.
Don’t overlook these small windows. Ask thoughtful questions. Listen closely. These low-pressure settings help young people feel seen and heard. These moments often open the door to deeper reflection or even new levels of ownership in their faith.
During the school year, these kinds of moments are rare. In summer, they’re abundant. Make space for them.
If we want to see young people lead, we have to offer them real opportunities—not just to succeed, but also to try, stumble, learn, and try again.
Summer is an ideal time to let students lead devotionals, coordinate games, guide prayer, or help plan an activity. The scale of summer programming often feels lower stakes, which creates an ideal training ground for growth.
As you invite them into leadership, don’t go it alone. Walk with them through the process. Debrief what went well and what didn’t. This kind of formative leadership development prepares them to serve with confidence during the school year.
Summer is an opportunity not just to lead, but to support. Consider how you might show up for other ministry teams—whether that’s volunteering with children’s ministry, joining a service project with adults, or participating in a Sunday school class you don’t normally attend.
Your presence builds trust and relationships across generations. It also creates relational bridges that benefit young people as they grow—and helps you stay rooted in the broader church community.
And practically? Spending time with other adults can offer encouragement and perspective that’s easy to lose when you’re immersed in youth work.
Summer may feel full, but it also carries a quiet invitation: to rest.
You need space to be restored, not just for yourself, but for the sake of your ministry. Whether it’s a few quiet mornings, a short getaway, or time to read and reflect, choose rest not as a luxury, but as part of your calling.
And don’t forget the people closest to you. Let this season also be one of showing up for your family, supporting their needs, and enjoying time together.
The decisions you make this summer—both big and small—can shape the year ahead. So ask yourself:
These summer ministry ideas won’t add to your to-do list. They’ll help you use the season to do what matters most.
About the Author— Rev. Brian Lawson has over 20 years of youth ministry experience and currently serves as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. He holds a Master of Ministry with a focus on organizational culture, team-based leadership, change, conflict, and peace-making from Warner University. He also studied Christian Education at Asbury Theological Seminary.
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