I will begin by saying that these “keys” are directed more toward campus-based ministry; however, these can also prove helpful for church-based collegiate ministers as well.
Each summer is a crucial time for collegiate ministers. Contrary to a somewhat popular belief, collegiate or campus ministers do not have summers off. You can find most of us at local VBS’s, state and nation-wide camps, as well as local associational events that are scattered throughout the summer. One thing is for certain, as soon as students leave for the summer in May, before you blink, August will be here, and they will be moving back in.
So, what are some ways that you can best utilize your summer to make best of the time, in preparation for having your ministry’s best fall possible?
Here are just a few:
1. Finalize plans for the fall and begin planning for the next spring.
Fall planning begins way before the summer, when you have your newest crop of leaders in place before the spring semester ends. Utilize times during the summer. We usually take an hour once a month to meet with leaders for check-ins, and to make sure everyone is clear for the plan come welcome week.
2. Take a local youth pastor or pastor to lunch.
This is a beneficial time when you have some freedom from campus obligations, to utilize some great face time with local church leaders. Take this time to check in on them as well as continue to share plans for the upcoming year and vision for the future. One thing we do is set up lunches with youth pastors and their graduating seniors and talk to them about the importance of getting connected to Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) when they get on campus, regardless of what school they are attending.
3. Catch up on building projects, maintenance, and repair.
One of the best times to assess your buildings, perform much needed maintenance, have repairs completed, and take on improvement projects, is during the summer. We are blessed to have a building on our beautiful campus here at the University of Arkansas at Monticello. We have hosts that live in our building during the year. Our building is empty during this summer, so this proves to be a great time to take on these projects. If you are a church-based ministry, you can utilize this time to improve your meeting space at your church.
*Pro-Tip: Utilize a local church looking for VBS or other summer projects to help you with things such as power-washing, painting, or mulching. We have a church each summer that brings their children’s ministry to serve at our building.
4. Host summer Bible studies.
Summers are a great time to leverage some small group times with students, as there are fewer students in town and on campus. It is extremely important to give these students an opportunity to gather, study God’s word, and fellowship. Ryan Scantling, campus minister at the University of Arkansas BCM, said, “I started doing summer Bible studies during COVID-19. It is great because it gives me another opportunity to let students lead. They plan the speaking, worship, after parties, as well as handling all the logistics. We often have freshmen pop into these.”
5. Rest
I love to think of it as “Restore” more than just a rest. The school year is a grind. The grind takes a toll on you, your friendships, and most importantly, your family. It would be unwise, and I would dare say, sinful, for you to continue that grind into the summer, without taking time to spend with friends, extended family, and to spend as much time with your spouse and children as possible. Take a much-needed vacation. Your family needs it just as much or more than you.
Here are two bonus “keys”:
1. Leadership check-ins
Whether it is individually or as a group, check in with your leaders to see how their summers are going and to reiterate certain plans for the fall and their individual roles. These can prove to be a great time of accountability and encouragement that does not take much time.
2. Collegiate Week
Every year, the first full week in August, campus minsters gather with their students at Falls Creek, Oklahoma for Collegiate Week. Per their website, “Collegiate Week is for college students and leaders who want to learn to passionately follow Jesus. Through worship, teaching, community and fun you and your group can experience the encouragement you need to kickstart a new year of college. Join thousands of students and leaders from across the U.S. and Canada for five days that will change your life and help you be on mission with God.”
We take our students every year, it is perfect to take your leaders and any incoming freshman that you can. It is a great kickoff to the semester.
I would love any feedback on how these keys may work for you as well as anything that I didn’t cover that should be on anyone’s “Top 5.”
I am grateful for you all, and pray you have an effective summer in service of our Lord.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Jeremy Woodall and originally published by Arkansas Baptist News.
