Summer is here, and with it comes a season packed with ministry opportunities that can shape the lives of your students for eternity.
Whether you're heading to camp, leading a mission trip, or navigating the excitement of a student conference, these next few weeks are more than just busy, they're sacred.
But in the whirlwind of schedules, activities, and responsibilities, it's easy to miss the real invitation: to be fully present.
Not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually engaged with the students and volunteers around you. So how do we do that?
Here are three simple but powerful steps for making the most of your summer ministry moments.
1. Look Into the Lives of Your Students
Being present begins with seeing those in front of you, not just as participants, but as people with stories, dreams, and struggles. Take time to notice.
- Who's hanging back during group time?
- Who lights up during recreation but grows quiet during devotions?
- Who might be silently hoping someone will ask how they're really doing?
Presence begins with paying attention. Let your eyes be open to what God is already doing, and ask Him to give you compassion and insight as you lead.
2. Live in the Moment
Summer events are full of golden opportunities to connect, but they're often hidden in the in-between moments. That's where ministry often thrives.
Engage in the little things:
- The walk to the camp dining hall
- The team-building games
- The lip-sync contest you didn't plan to be in (yes, I once learned a routine to "What Makes You Beautiful," there's video proof )
Be intentional. Ask safe questions. Listen well. Celebrate wins. Speak encouragement. Make eye contact. Be someone who communicates, "I see you, and I'm glad you're here."
These shared moments lay the foundation for deeper conversations. Which leads us to...
3. Learn to Go Deeper
Once trust is built and a relational bridge is formed, it's time to press in a little more. Here's how:
Ask Thoughtful Questions
Move beyond "How are you?"
Try:
- "What's brought you joy recently?"
- "What's something you're passionate about?"
- "What's a challenge you've overcome lately?"
Questions like these show students you're not just checking a box, you truly care. They also open space for vulnerability, and from there, meaningful dialogue can begin.
Listen More Intentionally
Listening isn't waiting for your turn to speak. It's tuning in to both words and emotions. It's hearing what's said, and what's not said.
Put your phone down. Quiet your inner multitasker. Focus your attention. When someone knows they're being heard, it builds trust, and creates room for real connection.
Hold Deeper Conversations
As you gain trust, take the conversation beyond the surface. Ask open-ended questions. Give room for silence. Invite reflection.
This is where hearts open, and where faith can grow.
Share the Hope of the Gospel
At the heart of it all, we want our students to encounter Jesus. Not just in a sermon or a session, but in conversations and connections with people who reflect His love.
Remind them that they're not alone in their struggles. That Christ understands pain. That there is purpose in their story. That redemption is real. That hope is alive. As Tara-Leigh Cobble says so beautifully, "He is where the joy is."
Be Present This Summer
Summer ministry isn't just about events. It's about encounters, with God and with others. As you head into your next big moment, don't forget: being present doesn't mean being perfect. It means showing up fully. Heart, mind, and spirit.
So lean in. Listen well. Love deeply.
And watch what God will do when you're fully present in the present.
Dr. Richard Brown, Jr. is the Founder and President of NextGenMatters, an organization focused on equipping leaders who serve the next generation. With years of experience in leadership development, he provides practical tools to help leaders grow their ministries. For more insights, subscribe to Rich's Thursday Tools at the bottom of this page.
