Summer and Small Groups
I have always found summer to be an interesting component of group life. Some of our groups experience a dip in attendance while others continue to thrive. I have heard all sorts of advice from other small group pastors and breakout sessions at conferences but I am of the opinion that the group leader can make the best decision for his or her group. They know their summer schedules, vacation times, children’s activities, church events, etc.
I’ve always been a part of churches that have had very volunteer intensive summers. Summer is some of the best opportunities for outreach events for kids and teens, and these events often need the volunteers that attend our groups! Not only will church events impact our groups but so will summer vacation. I have often found that my own group experiences about a 50% drop in attendance during the summer.
Some leaders may decide that it’s best to just break for the summer and meet once per month for a social to stay in touch. What I have found that typically works for my own leadership style (and summer schedule) is to meet every other week (2x month) over the summer, instead of meeting weekly.
In general I think scaling back for the summer is helpful. When it comes to group ministry I like to generate a buzz for a big fall launch with new curriculum, or sometimes an all church alignment campaign. I find that people are looking for something new when school starts to create a routine and stabilize after their hectic vacations. Hopefully your summer is refreshing and your group stays in touch.
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Good information Frank. We have experienced a decline in summer attendance as well.
What does an “all church alignment campaign” look like?
John, alignment campaigns are great for getting your whole church focused on ONE THING. It can create momentum for spiritual growth and for your small group ministry. Basically the church will ask the congregation to read a book, join a small group, and attend church every week for the next 8 weeks as you work your way through the topics, scriptures, and discussion points addressed in the book and the small groups. One popular example that many churches did was 40 days of purpose with Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life.” If your are looking for another good one I really like this one on the topic of evangelism – http://www.justwalkacrosstheroom.com/
Hope that helps!