Billy Young

The summer of 2020 is a unique summer, not what any of us anticipated. For the most part, traditional camps are not happening. Vacation Bible School’s may look differently. Many of our churches are finding new and creative ways to have student and kid ministry summer programs.

What will pre-school, kid and student ministries look like when we are able to go back to an actual building?

The week of March 9th college students’ lives were changed in a dramatic way. Classes were moved online, they were told to go home, they are living with their parents again. They need their local church to serve them.

Vacation Bible School (VBS) is such a vital part of the summer for many churches. While the current situation leads to uncertainty with how VBS will look, our churches are still working through ideas of how the Gospel can be communicated to our families through Vacation Bible School. 

People often ask me how I feel about invitations for student ministry events. After serving as a youth leader, youth pastor, and guest preacher – I have a few observations concerning responses during student ministry worship services.

Dr. Tommy Green, executive director-treasurer for the Florida Baptist Convention, shared a vision for the year 2025 at Florida Baptist Convention Annual meeting last November. Here are a few ways that kid, student and college ministries can be involved in this challenge.

Jordan Floro, student pastor at Hibernia Baptist Church in Fleming Island, admitted the past few months had taken a toll on him. “Between a busy summer and walking with families through some difficult things, I was tired and a little worn down,” he said. But when he attended a Florida Baptist student minister retreat in September, he found a source of renewal and strength he desperately needed.

Florida Baptist student ministries gathered get for a week of fun and spiritual growth for Super Summer. Super Summer camp took place July 8-12, 2019. 30 Florida Baptist churches, totaling 650 people, gathered at Lake Yale Baptist Camp and Conference Center for the annual event.

Last fall at the inaugural Kid Minister Retreat the idea of a kid’s ministry camp was discussed. After planning for several months, the first ever Super Summer Kids took place July 15-18, 2019, at Lake Yale Baptist Camp and Conference Center.

Summer ministries are here. Vacation Bible School, camps, mission trips, and the various other activities fill up the schedules of student and kid ministries. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to maximize your summer in ministry.