By Michael C. Mack
Don”™t simply accept the habitual warm-weather wane in church attendance and activities. Instead, find creative ways to minister this summer in ways maybe not possible the rest of the year. Here are just a few starter ideas.
“¢ Make this a “Block Party Summer.” Encourage individuals and small groups to conduct neighborhood events to help neighbors get to know one another and have fun together. Use it as a simple opportunity for God to work through relationships to reach people where you live.
“¢ Go outdoors with worship. This one may seem risky with potential inclement weather, but it may provide opportunities to reach people you”™ve never reached before. Hold your weekend services at a park, stadium, beach, or pool. Or combine this one with the idea above by holding services in neighborhood parks or other locales.
“¢ Shift small groups and classes from an inward to an outward focus. Make serving opportunities available every week or month for groups to participate in. Rather than asking groups to take a vacation from one another, encourage them to take mission trips together in your own hometown.
“¢ Focus on leadership development. Develop a three-month equipping schedule in order to produce new leaders for your fall groups, classes, and other ministries. Make each workshop a one-off so that participants can miss a week or two.
Author: Michael C. Mack
Michael C. Mack is editor of Christian Standard. He has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and Kentucky. He has written more than 25 books and discussion guides as well as hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and web-based articles.
