A few tips for keeping the faith over the summer

The summer: quite arguably the best time of the year for a college student. No classes or team meetings. No homework or projects. No real responsibilities (save, perhaps, a job). Although it may seem that the summer can be a major source of relief, it can also be a faith-killer to many unsuspecting Christians. It is so easy to fall away when you have no commitments and no accountability. That weekly bible study you have been attending? Or perhaps that large group worship/fellowship meeting? They have ended for the summer recess. This is a scary time. If you are not intentional with your faith during the summer, you may just find that it has evaporated when you come back to school in the fall. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some tips for how to not fall off the Christian map this summer:

Pray:

Pray early and pray often. Start praying right now that God would be placing people in your life this summer that will encourage you in your walk with Christ. If you ever feel far from the loving embrace of our Father, pray! I guarantee that if you devote yourself to prayer, God will be faithful. He knows what you need, and He is more than willing to give it to you. Pray, pray, pray!

Fellowship/Accountability:

One of the best ways to start the summer is to get a group of men or women together that you can grow with and hold/be held accountable to. This past summer, the first night I got home, I met with a close friend from high school who was looking to continue his spiritual walk over the summer. Our first priority was to form a bible study with other friends in the area and meet on a regular basis to discuss study the Word and discuss our faith openly. I highly encourage you to make this a high priority when you get home. Don't have a close group of friends in your area? No worries! This next point will most certainly help you out.

Church:

Find a foundationally solid, thriving church! Healthy churches are often times the best place to go to find a vibrant community of believers. A good church will usually have a youth/college program with small groups and, if you are lucky, some sort of contemporary college worship service! Don't be timid: get involved in a small group at your local church. That's what they are there for!

Read you Bible:

It's hard to hear God speak when you aren't listening. You are going to want to position yourself in such a place as to be searching out God daily, and one of the best ways to do this is to read the Word of God. Daily. Set goals for yourself. Pick one book, sit down, and have at it. The Word of God is refreshing, satisfying. It gives you a connection to God that you otherwise would not have. It is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword! Don't be shy; open it up!

Missions/Service:

The final tip I have to offer you is to get involved in service. If you have a group of friends, propose a service idea. Find someone in your neighborhood who needs help and offer to serve them. If you don't have a group to serve with, don't be discouraged! You can always find a way to serve. Do you live in a suburban area? Volunteer at a food pantry of a soup kitchen. If you are part of a large church (or even a small church), they are a great resource to get you plugged into a service ministry. Ask around. Don't be afraid to step out and serve the Lord!

As I said, these are just a few tips on how to keep your spiritual life thriving over the summer. Don't be apathetic; pray, read the Word, assemble your friends, and serve God!