3 Ways to Connect with Your Students During the Summer

Summer is a time that is notorious in churches all over the world as a time of digression in terms of attendance as well as spiritual growth. The kids are out of school, parents become exhausted, football camps are going full force, and vacations are planned. I fully support vacations because I realize the need to just get away from everything (even the church) and just be with your family and the Lord. These things are refreshing and needed, but it often leads to people just taking the summer off completely it seems. So with everything going on, as a Youth Pastor I need to connect with my kids to make sure they don't get left behind. Here are 3 ways to do that.

1) Have Breakfast with them

I have recently started having a bible study and breakfast with my students every Friday morning at Chick-Fil-a, and I have found that this is a great way to connect with them. Not only does this give you time to fellowship and have fun, it's a fantastic way dive in to the Word of God so they grow spiritually. I would encourage you to invite other youth groups as well. This gives you as the leader a chance to engage the community and also get to know your students on a more personal level.

2) Do a Service with them

The key word here is WITH. Don't watch them work or do the work for them. Find something in the community for the youth group to do such as painting and house or doing yard work for someone who can't. This will teach them how to serve, it will bless someone else and also show your students that you are in this with them.

3) Do Something Fun

Believe it or not, it is okay for Christians to have fun! I don't view God as this big man sitting over us and getting on to us for being too joyous. He wants us to be about His business of course but we can do that while also having fun. There's nothing like a retreat for a few days with your youth group to better connect with your students.

The summer brings it's own unique challenges, but it also brings about great opportunities as well. Don't waste this time that we have to connect with our students and grow closer to the Lord. Until next time, God bless!