This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from purchased products at no additional cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
No-Stress Summer Event Ideas for the Women’s Ministry in your small Christian church. Tips for a Book Club, a Walking Group, & Girls’ Night Out!
Tips For A Book Club, A Walking Group, & A Girls’ Night Out!
Something happens to churches in the summer.
I clasp my hands, intertwining my fingers with the following rhyme:
Here’s the church. Here’s the steeple. Open the doors and where’s all the people?
And, in this version, there are no people!
Summertime Church Blues
- Attendance is inconsistent.
- People get disconnected.
- Vacations interrupt regular schedules.
- Events flop!
It’s even more difficult for small churches. Simply because we have less people.
A large church that gets 100 women at an event may drop to 40 in the summer. Still doable.
But a church where you are used to 10 at an event? Well, an event of 3 just loses some of its oomph!
Most small churches consider 2 options for the summer:
- Power through it and continue regular programming.
- Cancel summer programming.
Trying to power through is often disappointing.
- Low attendance
- Low energy
- People forget even when they are actually in town.
- They are just out of the regular routine.
Canceling everything for the summer means losing momentum.
We get disconnected. Then we spend a few months in the fall trying to recover and restart.
But there is a 3rd (and much better) option!
What if there was a solution to mix it up a bit? An easy, no-stress option to keep women connected while still giving volunteers a break from the stress and expectations of throwing a large summer event.
3 Options For Low-Prep, No-Stress Summer Event Ideas For Women’s Ministry
Choose one of the three options below to make it easier, increase attendance, and develop momentum. All 3 are run as a summer series. 3 events for June, July, and August.
- Summer Book Club
- Summer Walking Group (Step-It-Up!)
- Summer Dessert Nights For A Fun Girls’ Night Out
Looking for a step-by-step to starting or restarting your women’s ministry?
Check out the Women’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!
What Makes These 3 Options Successful
1 . Co-Leaders
Two people host each summer event as a pair. This is an absolute must! If no one shows up other than my friend who’s hosting with me, there is no waste of time or resources! We do what we planned to do and still have a great time.
2. No Numbers Required
All 3 options work with 2 people or 20+.
Success isn’t dependent on numbers.
Summer gets very disjointed. People are out of our regular routine. Not just their schedules, but also their thinking! So these choices work with few or many.
3. Low-Prep & No-Stress
All these options are low prep. Some are as simple as “open a home and invite people in.” But cleaning your house is even optional. All 3 options can be held at other locations.
You are not:
- Hiring a speaker
- Making place cards
- Crafting party favors
- Finding zany mixers or games
4. Intergenerational
Because your numbers are naturally lower in the summer, inclusiveness is key!
Try to choose the option that includes most of your women. From 18 to 80+, these options are doable, inclusive, and relational.
5. Visitor Friendly
Summer events are a great casual time to bring friends. So keep these events inviting and open. (If you are interested in summer discipleship, stay tuned for my post on Mentoring Made Easy – perfect for summer.)
6. Come As You Are!
No one has to dress up, bring a costume, or do their hair, no prep, and no pressure.
This makes it summer-friendly for those coming and going.
Why A Series Of 3 Events?
The series of 3 is one of the keys to summer success. Having a series is familiar and comfortable!
A series gives women 3 chances to make it.
- If they miss one, they can still look forward to the next.
- If they can come to all 3, great!
A themed series cuts down on questions and keeps it simple.
- We are bombarded with information and continual decisions to make!
- Let’s make it easy for summer.
A series of 3 builds momentum.
- It’s different. It’s fun. It fits with the season.
3 Made-For-You Summer Event Options For Your Women’s Ministry
Option 1: Summer Book Club
Book clubs are simply trendy! Whether you have avid readers, wanna-be readers, or women just looking for an excuse for a girls’-night-out, women love book clubs.
Reasons to choose the Summer Book Club:
- A summer book club with well-chosen books may expose some of your women to Christian fiction for the first time. And, they might find out they love it.
- Many people are looking for renewal in their summers. Reading for pleasure can be a part of setting a new pace and creating personal space.
- Reading is great for your brain and your health.
- Summer book clubs are a great outreach for women not involved in your church.
To save you time, here are 4 books perfect for your summer club. They represent different writing styles and flavors.
1. The Yada Yada Prayer Group (Book One), Neta Jackson
A former drug addict, a real estate broker, a college student, and a married mother. Who would think to group these people together? A weekend at the Chicago Women’s Conference united similar, but vastly different sisters in Christ, resulting in the Yada Yada Prayer Group. Join author, Neta Jackson, as she journeys with these women while facing immense trial and hardship. Rediscover the beauty of what it means to live by grace through faith.
2. In the Field of Grace, Tessa Afshar
Ruth, a widower outcast by society, is left with little to nothing to now provide for herself and her mother-in-law, Naomi. Just when life seems the most desolate and hopeless, God intervenes in Ruth’s life and a beautiful account of love, preservation, and provision results.
3. Chop Chop, L.N. Cronk (Chop, Chop series Book 1)
Laci finds joy in helping others. Chopping her hair every time she grows it out and giving it to Locks of Love is a way for her to spread generosity. Greg, admires Laci’s kindheartedness and is inspired to do the same. David, who appears to be doing well in every way, is led to lean on God like never before as he faces tragedy. Journey with Laci, Greg, and David in their unique friendship as they grow closer to each other and with God.
4. A Rose Blooms Twice, Vikki Kestell (A Prairie Heritage, Book 1)
Rose Brownlee, who has experienced incredible loss, is grappling with how to persevere and keep following God’s call. During the late 1800s in the American prairie, Rose is tested to trust that God will lead her through physical foreign land and uncharted territory in her life amidst the obstacles of loss and disillusionment. Journey with her and be inspired by the powerful, timeless themes of redemption, rebirth, and love!
Option 2: Summer Walking Group (Step-It-Up!)
No one even has to open their home for this one! Pick a location and meet up once a month; June, July, and August.
We did this a few summers ago and were shocked at the variety of women who came as well as the amazing conversations as we walked and how much we looked forward to the next!
Location options to consider:
- outlet mall
- neighborhood streets/sidewalk
- walking path in a park
- indoor mall
- school track
- state hiking trail
I suggest choosing one location and a consistent time. Like Saturday at 9 a.m. Keeping a consistent time and place leads to better memory. Better memory means better attendance!
Reasons to choose the Summer Walking Group:
- Most of us already know we need to move more.
- Having a group means accountability and fellowship.
- It’s healthy. Body, mind, and spirit!
So, find 2 champions to host this one and you are off and running! (well, walking anyway)
Option 3: Summer Dessert Nights For A Fun Girls’ Night Out
Haha! It seems so wrong to write about this after a walking group, but let’s throw in the ice cream!! (‘Cause I’d rather eat than exercise!)
There are many ways to set up dessert nights. I intend to bake much more often than I do bake, and running to the store is so much easier! So to keep it simple this summer (low-prep and no-stress), I suggest an ice cream bar with the tag, “Bring your favorite topping if you’d like!”
You’ll want to provide the ice cream, but you can list topping suggestions in your promotion for fun and variety (brownie bits, cookie bites, whipped cream, gummy bears, etc.). This allows women to share the bringing without the stress of baking or creating a whole dessert. Bag up and freeze leftover toppings for next month’s summer event!
A Caution About Food Events
Food is a social mechanism in our society. It brings us together. It builds commonality. It’s inclusive. Or is it? What used to be the common potluck where all are welcome, now has a conflicting edge that often causes division.
What in the world do we do with all the food sensitivities out there?
I boldly implore you not to ignore food sensitivities. As a mom with a daughter who gets violently ill on gluten and dairy, I can emotionally tell you that food (for us) is no longer the unifying healing balm of society.
Of course, you cannot avoid every sensitivity, allergy, diet, and preference. But you can be compassionate.
Smaller churches actually have an advantage. We tend to know more backstories and have an idea of where people are with their diets and allergies. When you serve food, advertise clearly ahead of time what food will be served. Maybe even add, “If you have food sensitivities let us know!”
If you’re serving ice cream and you have some dairy-free people coming, consider picking up some So Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Cream at the neighborhood grocery store. (Their Cashew Salted Caramel Cluster is a great flavor – and it happens to be gluten-free as well!)
We can’t ignore food events. But we can put relationships first and respond with compassion, not judgment or jokes.
Looking for a step-by-step to starting or restarting your women’s ministry?
Check out the Women’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!
3 Steps To Make These Summer Events Happen
Picking your option is half the battle. But don’t forget the other half!
Here are some tips for success!
- Find Hostess Pairs: At least 2 for each date!
- Pick The Dates Today: Don’t wait!
- Advertise Like Crazy: Start today, multiple ways, and all through the summer!
1. Find Your Perfect Hostess Pairs
First, your Hostess Pairs need to like hanging out together. The whole point of having 2 people host is that if no one shows up, they can still have a blast!
What to look for in the perfect hostess:
- They LOVE people.
- Others want to be around THEM.
- They smile a lot. Happy. Joyful.
- They are reliable. You can count on them to stick to the chosen date.
Does the hostess need to open her home?
Absolutely not! A summer event could be held at a church, a park, a backyard, or a neighborhood coffee shop. But even if it is not in a home, you still need 2 hostesses! They will simply host at an outside location.
Should I have the same 2 hostesses for all 3 events in the series?
Not necessarily. Having a different set of hostesses for each month will increase your reach into different friendship groups. I highly recommend 3 different sets of women (if you have them) to increase your fun and your reach! But if you have a pair of perfect hostesses who want to host all 3 book clubs, go for it!
2. Pick All 3 Dates Now! Don’t Wait!
Tips to pick the best dates:
Do Some Recon!
Know your peeps.
If you are in a small church, you know that a bad date means a total flop because your potential attendance may only be 4 anyway! So talk to your core ladies and ask about vacations and summer plans. What day of the week is best? What time is best?
Consider the church calendar. Avoid VBS week. But a girls’ night out while students are on the mission trip might be perfect timing!
Choose All 3 Dates Now And Stick With Them
Advertise them loudly and boldly! Why choose all 3 dates so soon?
- People want dates early in the summer.
- It helps build momentum.
- People can plan around early dates.
- It sets these events apart as a series – and makes them more special!
3. Advertise For Success
Over-communicate. You cannot advertise too much for summer events and advertise in multiple ways.
Don’t have just a flyer. And don’t just put it in the bulletin. Promote and remind all over the place.
- Social media like Facebook, Instagram, or even emails!
- Have a flyer
- Use bulletin announcements
- Invite by telephone and send reminder texts
- Do upfront announcements in church
Remember your goals for success:
- It’s not about numbers.
- It’s about relationships. Get to know people and deepen connections.
Prepare for small attendance in the summer. Set your expectations for numbers low. Set your intention on the depth of relationships. A few women together is beautiful. If more join in, even better.
Have fun! And let me know how it goes. I want to hear about your summer successes!
Looking for a step-by-step to starting or restarting your women’s ministry?
Check out the Women’s Ministry Bundle For Small Churches!
For More About Personal Renewal This Summer, Check Out:
12 Tips And Ideas To Help Set Summer Women’s Ministry Goals
Thank you for all the great tips and ideas! So helpful
We love Becky (the author) being part of our community! She has a million in one ideas she has put into action!!
Your ideas are very good. I will be implementing. I would add a book to your list. There is a series of books by Neta Jackson. The Yada Yada Prayer Group. The first book is phenomenal and works great for a book club.
Thank you Jemma!! It will be added today!! 🙂
This is so great! Your ideas are fresh and fun and realistic. Thank you!
You’re so welcome! yes, one of our goals on this site is to fill it with do-able ideas ready-made for small churches! Lower budgets, lower numbers, less prep (since most of us aren’t paid-staff!) … keep us posted if you’re looking for something you can’t find! We post new articles every week, often based on needs we hear about! 🙂