Fall represents a fresh start for many—especially those whose kids are getting back into the swing of school. In many ways, the fall is the start of a “new year” for people, even if the calendar isn’t turning over. Many people establish new rhythms and pursue new habits in the fall each year.
Pastors and church leaders are wise to look at the fall and consider how it may be a fresh start for discipleship efforts. Why? Here are a few reasons.
Reason #1: People Are in a “New Season” Mindset
Churches feel this phenomenon too. Many churches report their highest seasonal attendance and ministry engagement in the fall months as families come back from summers abroad and settle in for the new school year. This new season naturally creates a culture of commitment for people—either commitment to new interests or recommitment to routines and opportunities that waned over the summer.
Other seasons throughout the year have some kind of inertia that makes starting new things hard. Summer is chaotic and often involves a lot of traveling. Winter is full of holidays and, depending on geography, sometimes wintry weather. Spring is often home to endless end-of-year school activities and other opportunities like youth sports. Fall, however, can feel a bit more open—at least at the beginning—and prove to be a solid season of commitment.
Reason #2: Summer Reveals Gaps in Discipleship
Summer can be a difficult ministry season for churches. It can be hard to know, as a church staff, how much to offer and how much to pull back, in comparison to the rest of the year. It’s good to give people a season to not have so much church activity, but at the same time, it’s not like Christians need to stop serving and caring for one another because the schools are out and the weather is warm.
Regardless of what our churches do during the summer, the chaos or inconsistency that usually accompanies the summer months can serve to expose gaps in our discipleship. Summertime can be a good time to zoom out, consider how our churches are equipping people for ministry, and assess where gaps may be. Then, following the season of examination, the fall serves as a fresh opportunity to grow and improve in our discipleship strategies and efforts.
Reason #3: Fall Programming Is a Natural Entry Point
Pastors and church leaders can leverage the fertile soil of openness that many church members feel in the fall season by providing ample opportunities for ministry involvement. Fall is a great time to initiate new small groups, service opportunities, and other programs that may have had to take a break in the summer. Providing plenty of opportunities to get involved is important, while also recognizing that effective discipleship does not always follow in the wake of increased programming.
Be Intentional
Don’t just let fall happen to your church. Use the season and the changes that come with it intentionally and for effective discipleship. What can your church do this fall to plant the seeds of a more effective culture of discipleship?
