It’s October! Wait, what?!

And just like that most of us are now 4-6 weeks into our fall term.

So, how’s it going? Is your ministry firing on all cylinders?

How about you? Have you recovered from the rush and fury of the start of the academic year???

Every month I like to brainstorm — with you — some good ministry ideas for the upcoming month, so here are a few ideas to get the ball rolling:

Find your rhythm – The chaos of the beginning of the school year should now be behind us, so it’s important to find a good, healthy, sustainable pace for ministry that will allow us to serve well for the rest of the semester. Seek this out! I’ve found that it WON’T just happen.

Utilize mid-terms – The month of October will likely include mid-term exams for most of our students. Brainstorm some creative ways with your co-laborers on campus to most effectively minister to students during this stress-filled time of the year. Are their study breaks, activities, spaces, etc. that you can facilitate for students in need? Be especially mindful, and aware, of students who are overwhelmed by the pressures of academics.

Utilize fall break – With mid-terms often come some sort of fall break.

Is it an opportunity for 1) ministry, and/or 2) a break? Really, we each need to discern what is “most needed” at this point in the semester for our own context. I would suggest that it is likely a break, because most of us tend to go non-stop, especially during the first month or so of the new year. Consider some time away – with family or friends – to be rejuvenated for the second half of the fall term.

OR, if your are convinced that some intentional and concentrated form of ministry is how GOD is desiring you to fill your fall break, than consider: a 2 or 3 day mission experience, some extended local service, a spiritual pilgrimage or retreat, some intentional community building opportunities… a short break can provide the right kind of space for a number of creative, spiritually nurturing experiences!

Utilize the change in weather – For most of us, October will yield pleasant weather and the opportunity to take some of the things that we do outdoors. Be it a worship service, small group study, service project, community building time, etc. – consider heading out into the beauty of God’s creation – before it gets too cold!

Start planning for the spring – If you’re planning for the spring term (or even next fall) hasn’t yet begone, than October is the perfect time to do so. Speaking series, small group materials, mission and outreach locations and logistics, nail down bigger name speakers for 12-18 months from now (if your budget allows for such luxuries), secure retreat locations – as the activity and intensity of the semester level-off a bit, take some time to get the rest of the year (and even some things for next academic year) moving forward.

Assess the start of the year – While it’s still fresh on your mind, take some time to sit with your colleagues and student leaders and talk about the first 4,6, or 8 weeks of the new term. What worked? What didn’t? What are some of the things that need to be addressed for next year’s kick-off.

So these are some of the things that will fill my October… what do you have to add?