Summer Break? Campus Ministry Doesn’t Stop

As campuses across North America quiet down in June, it seems likely that many campus ministers are packing up their offices for a three-month hiatus. But Resonate Global Mission’s campus ministries stay moving, even through the summer months.

While the rhythm changes from the frantic pace of the academic year, the mission doesn't pause. In fact, summer offers a unique window for deeper relationships, community care, and creative outreach.

“During the year, our students experience a deep community where they are cared for, supported, and encouraged in their walk with God,” shares Steve Kooy, campus minister with Momentum Campus Ministries at Queen’s University and other Kingston, Ont., area colleges. “The transition into summer can be really challenging to keep up their spiritual rhythms, and they can feel isolated. Providing a summer fellowship is one way we help students continue to grow spiritually and be cared for well.”

Here’s what summer looks like for Resonate campus ministers—and why this ministry is so critical—even when school is out.

High Energy and Deep Discipleship

For many ministries, summer is a bustling season of intentional community. Momentum Campus Ministries recently kicked off their summer fellowship with a barbecue that drew 50 people. Their summer is divided into robust tracks for both undergraduate and graduate students, featuring five small discipleship groups (called "huddles"), Monday-night Bible studies, and a weekly "discovery huddle" where seekers can explore the gospel through the book of Mark.

"Students are really craving a deep community over the summer where they can share about how God is working in their lives," Kooy noted. They even use a massive group chat of over 150 members to self-organize spontaneous beach volleyball games, kickball, and late-night swims at the pier.

Similarly, at Grand Valley State University in West Michigan, GVSU Campus Ministry is launching a brand-new initiative: Summer Groups. These co-ed groups are designed to dive into Scripture while building meaningful communities. This summer they are tackling a 12-week series on 1 and 2 Peter, hoping to provide a spiritual anchor for students staying in the local area who might not otherwise have a faith community.

Space to Breathe and Tackle Big Questions

During the regular semester, students are often overwhelmed by midterms, papers, and strict schedules. Summer offers breathing room, allowing ministries to explore topics they don't always have time for during the year.

Brenda Kronemeijer Heyink, serving with Logos Christian Community at both York University in Toronto and the University of Toronto, notes that their graduate group continues meeting through June with a more informal, conversational approach. This summer they are visiting local museums and parks while tackling heavy, relevant topics like artificial intelligence, protesting, and how to navigate religious unfairness.

At the University of Iowa, Brett Erickson of Geneva Campus Ministry echoes this sentiment. Their summer includes casual dinners, day trips, and book clubs with faculty and students. "Providing community throughout is critical to the well-being of the population we serve," Erickson said.

George Koopmans of the Medicine Hat (Alta.) College Campus Ministry agrees that summer brings a unique spiritual freedom. "For students who have begun the journey of faith, summer provides a freedom to explore Christ that is pushed to the background by the busyness of the academic year," he said. Koopmans said he takes advantage of the warm weather by inviting students and recent graduates over for barbecues, paddleboarding, and bike rides to maintain those critical relationships.

The Ministry of "Free Listening"

Summer is also a prime opportunity to connect with individuals who are usually too busy to engage. At York University, where an unpredictable number of students take summer courses, campus ministers set up a sign in highly trafficked central spaces that reads simply: “Free Listening.”

"As we sit there, we greet the students we know, catching up and offering a few words of encouragement or taking prayer requests," said Kronemeijer Heyink. "We meet new students each time, people who are intrigued by the sign and stop to talk. Oftentimes people share what they’re struggling with: school, social things, direction, faith. And we listen, encourage, and try to show the love of Jesus."

The slower pace also allows ministers to tend to campus staff and faculty who keep the universities running. Koopmans noted, "Summer gives me a chance to connect with staff. After eating lunch several times with the staff, they begin to feel comfortable and open up with me. There simply isn’t time to do this in the busyness of their regular school year."

Recharging and Planning behind the Scenes

Even in contexts where students largely scatter for the summer, the work does not end. For Alex Schorr at Agape and Ecclesia Church (Loyola University, Chicago), the summer schedule adapts entirely to whoever is around. But when student presence is light, the focus shifts inward, he said.

"Summer for us is focused on administrative catch-up, support raising, summer-work orientations, and travel/rest," Schorr explained.

Whatever campus ministers are doing in the summer, one thing is certain: ministry doesn't stop. As George Koopmans summed it up simply, "Life continues in the summer."

Please pray for our campus ministers this summer as they balance intentional discipleship, summer outreach, administrative planning, and necessary rest. Pray that students and faculty staying on or near campuses will find deep community and encounter the love of Christ in refreshing ways.