If you’re like many out there, you’re in the middle of summer is a busy time. Fall is right around the corner, and that means preparing for back-to-school and cooler weather. Most like to get out and enjoy at least some of the summer’s warmth and sunshine while there’s still time. Between vacations, plans, trying to complete work, navigating kids’ schedules, and more, summer is frequently packed with various activities and adventures.
There’s nothing wrong with taking some time and exploring the world around you. Yet statistics show us a decrease in faith activities in warmer weather. Churches report a 20% to 30% decrease in attendance during the summer months. Attributed to travel, changes in scheduling, and an overall decline in spiritual focus means people aren’t always thinking about their faith in the summertime. Here are seven ways to keep your faith strong in the summer, no matter how busy you might be.
Attend church regularly (even on vacation)
I’m the first to understand changes in schedules, especially during summer months. It’s common to have more activities on a weekend, especially get-togethers. Between various activities, vacations, and other things, missing church a few times might not seem like a big deal.
It is.
Belonging to a church community isn’t a favor extended to the church or denomination’s leadership. We attend church because God has placed us in His Body. In a bigger sense, that is in the universal Christian church. In a more immediate sense, it is through the local congregations to which we belong. They are important centers for spiritual learning, growth, fellowship, and worship. Failing to attend church – even a few times in a summer – can amount to a big loss in our spiritual lives.
If you’re on vacation during a weekend or otherwise miss a service time, odds are good you can find a church to visit for that week. Make a point to visit somewhere, even if you’re schedule or location varies from the norm.
Volunteer
We often assume summer to be a time of lavish and expensive fun. This is true for some, but summertime is also a difficult time for many. Lower income households don’t often have the money for summer snacks or lunches. Many families can’t afford to go on vacation. Social problems, such as homelessness and housing shortages, don’t end with summer vacation. There’s also the reality that after awhile, summer fun runs out and people are looking for something to do.
With kids out of school and frequent vacation time, summertime is a great time to think about doing something good for others. There’s always the standard go-tos, such as soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Beyond this, there are other opportunities that might engage summer fun. Community centers often need help with recreation programs for local kids. If church attendance is down, that likely means churches need help (especially for Vacation Bible School, which we will speak of shortly). As I spoke of in a column for chasing away the Christmas blues, there’s always something to do if we are willing to look for it!
Participate in Vacation Bible School
Many churches don’t hold Sunday School classes in the summer. In contrast, they host Vacation Bible School. Vacation Bible School (commonly called VBS) is a week-long program devoted to Bible learning for kids in the summertime. Usually containing a theme and a final program for families, VBS presents Christian study in a fun, relatable way. The stuff of legends, as we might say, VBS is one of the most enjoyable memories Christian kids take with them into adulthood.
A side note: VBS often takes a lot of work to produce. Most churches need volunteers for VBS. If you’re looking for something to do, this can be a great volunteer project!
Donate to a good cause
When summer fun turns to drudgery, most go looking for something to do. When vacation is over and the standard outings no longer seem to stand up, what is left to do?
Summertime is a great time to clean out closets and make donations to local thrift stores. Whether clothes, old books, toys, cookware, or something else you have around the house, there’s likely something you have that someone else can use.
Much like churches, charities also face a decrease in donations during the summer months. Contributing time, money, skills, or items to a noteworthy charity is a great way to inspire faith in the summer.
Take a nature walk
If you’re anything like me, summer is actually not your favorite time of year. It’s hot out, there are bugs everywhere, and my lovely, air-conditioned house is calling. That being said, summer is a great time to connect with God through nature. Whether you enjoy the heat of the day, a cool morning, or the stars on a clear night, summertime is a fantastic time to get outside and stand in awe of your Creator. Most communities have nature trails or walks that offer safety and convenience when walking through local woods or pathways. Remember to wear light clothing, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. The practice of a prayer walk might also be useful as you use this activity to get closer to God.
Attend an outdoor service
Many churches observe the warmer weather by getting outside for Sunday (or a special) service. If you’re looking for something new and different, this might be just the thing for you. Held in the early parts of the day or evening (in order to avoid excessive heat), an outdoor service – whether for a Sunday morning or a revival service – can heighten faith in a natural setting.
Read Bible passages that focus on the summer season
Seasons aren’t new. According to the Bible, we will have cold and winter, and summer and harvest until Jesus returns. There are a number of Bible passages that depict the grandeur of God in summertime. Some include Psalm 74:17, Proverbs 10:5, Proverbs 30:25, Amos 8:1, and Matthew 24:32.
Suggestions for enhancing faith in the summer
What ways do you keep faith during the summer months?
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