How to Avoid the "Summer Slump"

A difficult challenge many pastors face, especially in the early years of a church is what is commonly known as the "Summer Slump." When school lets out, many churches feel the pinch in more ways than one. If we're not careful, the Summer Slump can tear the momentum right out from under us. Knowing how to navigate through June, July, and August is Paramount.

Some pastors give up on the summer and just check out. Others though see them as the strategic months they are and actually strengthen their church in the process. Here are a few of my thoughts...

1.  Assimilate. Rather than focusing on "How Many" people are or are not in attendance on a Sunday, start focusing on the most important number of all: ONE! Summer is a great time to go back through your database, find people who are loosely connected and get them plugged in. At some point, we have to take people individually by the hand and walk them to their next step of involvement. Summer is a GREAT time to do that! Increasing the base of the organization in the summer means growth in the fall!

2.  Improve. Summer is a great time to assess every department and area of your church. Numbers may be down a bit which gives your workers a chance to catch their breath and it gives you the ability to rise above your organization and see where you need to make improvements. During the school year, a church can move at such a rapid pace that improving environments doesn't even land on a radar. Summer is the perfect time to make improvements and adjustments.

3.  Rest. One of the biggest dangers of church work is thinking that we, the leaders, must push all the way through summer. That is a strategy for burnout. Here's the deal. You are in a marathon, not a sprint. Slow down. Pace yourself. Your church needs you to go 26.2 miles, not just 100 yards! What does that mean? How do we rest AND keep this organization going all at the same time?

I'll talk more about that tomorrow...

In the mean time, why not make a few phone calls, set up a few lunches or coffee meetings & start assimilating some people who are dying to get involved in your church.

Oh yeah, and while you're at it, take a good look around this weekend, chances are there are some improvements that need to be made in EVERY environment of your church.

Matt Keller