Here are 10 reasons why I think groups should meet over the summer and especially summer of 2020!

1. The days are longer, and the kids are out of school. This eases the stress of the clock. It’s not necessarily that groups should meet longer, but that there’s more opportunity to hang around after the meeting and enjoy each other. And, we will all be done homeschooling over the summer!

2. Most often the kids can play outdoors during the warmer months, which keeps the kids entertained. So whether you are meeting digitally or face to face this summer, you can use this to your advantage.

3. There are many fun social events to do over the summer.

4. The enemy never takes a vacation! Long breaks mean that many will lose the ongoing connection and accountability they need.

5. New people are coming to church and need an opportunity to connect with a small group. If someone comes to the church in June and you tell them, “Hey, just wait until after Labor Day and we’ll help you connect,” they probably won’t be around in September.

6. Warm weather and longer days provide opportunities to serve as a group. Yard work and other outdoor service opportunities are great ways for small groups to serve the elderly or single mothers. You can also hold barbecues for your neighborhood or serve together in a church event, like vacation Bible school.

7. During the summer most people are more open to both going outside and getting together. Take advantage of this natural tendency.

8. There are three holidays you can celebrate together—Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day. Think of the fun possibilities!

9. Meeting in the summer continues the rhythm of life in community. Community is fragile. People start to lose their “group enthusiasm” if they miss just a week or two. Long breaks allow us to start mistakenly believing we have what it takes to successfully live out our faith without the help of others.

10. Busy schedules can mean less people. And yes, I really do think that is an advantage! Don’t cancel simply because several people can’t make it. Often, those weeks are some of the best meetings—you get to know each other better, and the quieter people have an opportunity to share more.

I hope you’ll consider meeting throughout the summer. After all, if you’re friends, why would you want a break from each other? Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days, and see how God deepens your relationships.