Reaching the girls in your church and community doesn't just happen.
You must be intentional.
Whether you're brand new to girls' ministry or you've been at it for years, this reminder never gets old. Why? Because intentionality is the fuel that keeps real relationships growing.
In ministry, we're not just investing in one girl, we're showing up for many. And while that can feel overwhelming at times, the key isn't doing more... it's doing what matters on purpose.
So let's break this idea down. Here are four practical, doable ways to lead with intention, whether you're a full-time student pastor or a volunteer leading a small group.
And here's the best part: you don't have to do it all alone. Invite other women to walk alongside you as you love and lead the next generation.
#1 Make the Connection
Set aside at least one intentional hour each week to reach out to girls in your ministry. A phone call, a Facetime, a quick text, a handwritten note, it doesn't have to be fancy. It just has to be on purpose.
Tips to make it happen:
- Block the time and protect it like any other meeting.
- Put it on your calendar so nothing sneaks over it.
- Pick a quiet place where you won't be interrupted.
Then, work from a consistent list:
- Start with a master list of every girl involved.
- Pull from grade rosters and rotate weekly, one girl per grade is a good start.
- Keep a running list of first-time guests and girls you haven't seen in a while
The goal isn't to contact everyone every week, but to build a rhythm of checking in, consistently and personally.
#2 Seek Her Out
When your group meets, set a simple goal: have face-to-face conversations with a few girls you don't normally connect with.
Some girls are easy to talk to. Others hang back. Be the one who steps toward them anyway. Even if it feels awkward or clunky, your intentionality can speak volumes.
You never know what a few kind words can mean to someone who's used to being overlooked.
#3 Show Up
Ask for your girls' extracurricular schedules, and then actually show up to something. A game, a concert, a theater performance, a competition.
Make it your goal to attend at least one event per girl. And if possible, arrive a little early or hang around afterward to chat and encourage them face-to-face.
This isn't just about supporting your girls. It's also a powerful way to engage with the wider community.
You'll meet other students, friends, teachers, coaches, people your girls already know and trust. Over time, that builds a bridge between your ministry and the local schools. And that opens new doors for outreach.
#4 Invite Them In
Not every girl will give you a schedule, and not every girl will be in a play or on a team. But every girl wants to feel seen, known, and valued.
So invite them in.
Let them do life with you. Open up the everyday moments and turn them into connection points.
Here are a few ideas:
- One-on-one coffee or lunch dates
- Grade-based movie nights at your place
- Monthly dessert meetups at your favorite local spot
- Morning devo time at a coffee shop before school
And when it comes to ministry events, go beyond announcements. Don't just mention it from the stage. Walk over. Hand them a flyer. Ask if they're planning to come. Tag them in the promo or DM it directly.
When you go out of your way to personally invite them, they feel wanted. That alone can make all the difference.
Make It Personal: Lead Girls with Intentionality and Heart
Being intentional isn't about doing more, it's about being more present, more personal, and more prayerful.
And when you start practicing that kind of intentionality, you'll begin to see real growth. Not just in attendance or excitement, but in the trust your girls have in you, and the faith that's growing in them.
You're not just building a ministry. You're building relationships that can last a lifetime.
So go ahead, make the time, take the step, and be intentional. It matters more than you know.
Krista Michelle is passionate about Girls Ministry. With 10 years of experience in church leadership, she loves equipping teenage girls to grow in their relationship with God and make their faith their own. Her goal is to inspire and empower both students and leaders to impact their generation for Christ. This article was first published on the KM Ministries blog.