Should I take a Break from Student Ministry over Christmas?

Christmas break is coming soon and students are ready! Certainly, they are ready for Christmas, but the stress on students through the end of semester projects and exams will leave them needing physical and emotional breaks as well. This does not mean they want to sit at home and do nothing. In fact, this is a prime opportunity to engage students in your ministry while they are eagerly wanting a break from their normal routine. While you may be tempted to shut things down over the break, consider the following unique opportunities before you:

Engage in local missions

We know that students are eager to change the world and are willing to engage in social justice causes. This season is a prime time for serving local charities, feeding the homeless, visiting nursing homes, and more. Consider organizing a local mission effort to help your students give back to others this Christmas season.

Plan a conference

Did you know your Georgia Baptist Mission Board conducts its largest student ministry event of the year over Christmas break? The MOVE conference is held intentionally each year between Christmas and New Years. Typically this is the time of year when most family traditions have bee completed and the kids begin to get bored and are looking for something to do. Exposing them to a conference, like MOVE, give them a short retreat as a group and also help them see what God is doing across the state. For more information on this conference visit moveconference.com

Strengthen families

At times our church event calendar can be insensitive to the needs of family priorities. Less is more. Be strategic and intentional with this Christmas break. Celebrate and encourage your students spending invaluable time with family. This is also a perfect time to stress for parents to engage their family in daily Bible study. The Advent season is an easy way to begin the habit of family worship.

Regardless of what you do this season, help your students keep their eyes fixed on Jesus through it all. Additionally, seize the opportunity to engage them and strengthen disciple-making relationships.