Summer or No Summer?

This is a question I ask every group leader I coach. Are you planning to meet in the summer or are you going to take some time off?  I am not so much concerned with what their answer is, but I am more concerned on why they chose to meet in the summer or take the summer off.

I have now lead a small group for 8 years and every summer we do not meet. The reason we do not meet is because I need a break.  My group needs a break.  Throughout the year, I have our members read an article, book, or even their Bible (that's right!) before we meet.  After 9 months, it can become draining on them.  They need a break.

Also, I need a break during the summer.  However, I really don't take much of a break.  During the summer months, I try to plan all the weeks in advance for the Fall and Spring.  I want to give myself enough time to review books, articles, and studies that fit our groups personality. I have always had a fear of not being prepared for a meeting, so I always plan ahead.

These are just a few of the reasons why are group does not meet.  It does have it's downfalls however. We lose our bonding time for three months.  It becomes difficult to continue to lift each up in prayer, especially for specific concerns for three months.

Whatever you decide, consider these things for the summer.

1. Stay connected- Even if you are not meeting on a certain schedule, find ways to stay connected throughout the summer.  Invite a few people over for dinner. Take in a Cougars game with your group.  Serve at FMSC.  Stay in each others lives anyway possible.

2. Pray about the upcoming year. Fall will be a big season for new groups forming and new people joining.  What is God calling your group to do?

3. Assess your group.  Every so often I have the people in my group fill out a survey.  I want to know what type of studies they enjoy.  Was there a particular study that they really loved?  How do you enjoy our childcare situation right now? Find the areas in your group that need improvement and focus on how you will make that happen.

Nick Tanner

Ideas That Work - Prayer

One Ginger Creek small group has a family approach.  Each meeting the entire family comes to the host home.  The children play during study, but then everyone comes together as the group prays. This teaches the children the value of prayer and lifting each other up.

1. What other positives does this bring to the small group and families?
2. What could be some possible disadvantages this might bring?