Staying on Track for Summer: Planning for Fall

If you had told me in January what the summer of 2020 would look like, I would never have believed you.

Who could have ever dreamt that:

…. Churches would move to mainly online ministry?
…. Large events like VBS & summer camps would be cancelled?
…. Kids’ ministry would move out of church and into homes?
…. Plans for 2020 would be thrown out the window?

Here we are, over halfway through the year, and there is still so much uncertainty.

If you’re like me, the summer months are often a time when I strategically plan for the year ahead.

This year, as I’ve been looking ahead to the fall & beyond, there are so many unknowns.

Will we be meeting in person?

Will social distancing be required?

Will groups continue to be limited in size?

Will parents feel comfortable sending their kids to a midweek ministry?

What will our budget be?

No matter where you are in the world, I’m sure you find yourself in a similiar boat.

How can you plan for the year ahead with so much uncertainty?

Well, while I don’t have the answers to what your fall (or mine!) will look like, I do want to share some tips & tricks so you can get a head start on planning for the ministry year ahead – no matter what it might look like.

Think about what really matters in your ministry.

Often, as we prepare to minister to kids & families, we focus on what we will do, not what is important.

We are quick to fill in our calendars with teaching series and events – but we don’t often pause to ask ourselves – “What really matters?”

As you prepare to plan for the year ahead, take this time to ask yourself – What is really important in this ministry?

Pray about it, talk with others about it, and think about it.

Chances are, you’ll come up with a handful of things that are truly important.

Regardless of what fall will bring – ask yourself: How can I focus on these important things, no matter what ministry looks like?

Ask yourself what families need in this season.

After you’ve determined what the important things are in your ministry, you need to ask another key question –

What do families in my ministry need during this season?

Instead of crafting a plan around what you think will work, actually talk to families to discover what they need from you.

Are they looking for:

Listen to what families in your ministry are saying, and let it factor into your fall planning.

This may require you to get outside the box in your planning – but if we truly want to minister to families, we need to be meeting their needs.

Consider creative options.

I’ll be honest with you – I miss the straightforwardness of planning before COVID-19.

I miss sitting down with my calendar and planning for Sundays and midweek ministries months in advance.

Although I miss those things, I am also keenly aware that the way we do ministry will be different, even after COVID-19 is gone.

This can be overwhelming – no doubt.

However, it’s also an incredible opportunity to partner with the Holy Spirit and get creative.

As you plan for the year ahead, ask yourself:

What creative methods can I use in ministry this year?

If you can’t go back to your normal Sunday ministry or large events right away, start brainstorming about ways you can still connect with kids and families.

Consider, just as an example:

The sky is the limit when it comes to the ways you can creatively minister in this next season.

Be intentional & think ahead!

Whatever you are planning for, don’t wait until the last minute to do it!

Even if your plans have to change, it’s important to be intentional and start thinking ahead about what the next season will look like.

Being intentional about brainstorming, researching and planning ahead can help you alleviate stress and feel more prepared, no matter what lies ahead!

If you’re looking for a way to plan well, check out this Ministry Planning Tool in the Equip Family Shop. It’s a great resource to help you start your fall planning!

Also, did you know that the Creative Ideas for Family Ministry Course has an entire unit on making a plan for your ministry? It will help you practically plan for the future, as well as empower parents, create connections & plan for successful Sundays!