Whether you’re in high school and still have a few weeks until classes are out for the summer, or you’ve already gotten a start to your college summer break, chances are you find yourself with a lot more free time than you’re used to.
One fulfilling way to spend some of your time in the summer is by getting involved in ministry. Attending a Christian university makes it very easy to stay involved in ministry opportunities during the school year. But if you feel called to serve the and get involved over the summer, connecting with a ministry can help you do that.
Get more involved in local church ministry events
Getting more involved in the church you currently attend or finding a new local church is always a great avenue to more ministry opportunities. Many churches have several events in the summer planned for youth, kids, and community ministries. They also may need help with setting up and organizing charitable events or block parties!
Events like these are great opportunities to help a church with a ministry opportunity that is designed to initiate fellowship and potentially bring more people to Christ.
Many churches also need volunteers to help with summer youth and kids camps. These are fun opportunities to show God’s love to kids and have a great time while doing it. Playing games, talking and praying with students, and making new friends with other leaders is a great way to spend a week or two of your summer.
All it takes to find events like these is showing up to church on a Sunday, listening to the announcements and asking questions. Otherwise, Google is always a great resource.
Church missions trips
If you’ve grown up in the church and are considering attending a Christian university, chances are you have at least thought about or taken the opportunity to go on a missions trip before. Usually these take place early in the summer (when people have some extra time), leaving plenty of time to get involved in other ministries if that is something you are passionate about. Many churches plan short term mission trip opportunities during the summer that allow you serve in another part of the world.
Explore missions trips being offered by churches or organizations in your area, related to things you’re passionate about!
Start your own ministry
This is definitely easier said than done, but if want to get into full time ministry, you could start your own ministry over your summer break! Why wait until after college to kick off your dream? Lots of churches are looking for great speakers or entertainers to come share the gospel with kids, youth, and adults. The best way to get into that field is to start getting your name out there and just do it.
Kyle Jorris, North Central University Graduate of 2018 and creator of Kyle Jorris Ministries, decided he was not going to wait until after college to do exactly what he wanted to do. He created a promotional video of him juggling, unicycling, performing magic tricks, etc. and began developing contacts at churches to send it to. Four years later, he is traveling full time to states all across the country to do what he loves. He is now developing his own online ministry curriculum for churches to use and creating music videos and other entertaining ideas to promote his ministry.
If ministry is something you see as a full time option in your future than there is no better time than now to start building towards that goal. If this is the case, be sure to consider this as an option and start working on your personal ministry this summer. If you aren’t sure yet and you just want to help wherever you can get involved in a church and support their events. Whatever you choose, stay focused on what ministry is all about. If you keep God as the centerpiece, your ministry efforts this summer will be something you can be proud of.
Need some spiritual inspiration over the summer?
Download chapel podcasts from the past semester at North Central University.
