Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, sandals, and slightly melted ice cream. While many folks are heading to the beach or firing up the grill, Bible study group leaders have a golden opportunity that’s often overlooked: summer is the perfect time to clean up your ministry list.

Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter something about spreadsheets and phone calls, hear me out. Tidying up your group’s roster during the summer months isn’t just a good idea—it’s a ministry move that can bear real fruit. Here are five reasons why:

1. The Pace Slows Down (Finally!)

Fall and spring are jam-packed. Between church events, school schedules, and holiday prep, it can feel like you’re sprinting from one thing to the next. But summer? Summer gives us a bit of breathing room. With fewer weekly commitments and a more relaxed pace, you finally have the margin to look at your group list and ask, “Hey, where did the Johnsons go?”

Use this slower season to reach out to those who’ve drifted. A simple text or call can go a long way in letting someone know they’re missed—and still very much part of the family.

2. People Are More Receptive

There’s something about summer that softens people. Maybe it’s the vitamin D, maybe it’s the backyard BBQs, but folks tend to be more open to reconnecting. If someone has been MIA from your group for a while, a warm, friendly check-in during the summer might be received better than during the hustle and bustle of the school year.

You’re not guilt-tripping anyone—you’re just saying, “Hey, we’ve missed you. How are you doing?” That kind of care speaks volumes.

3. You Can Plan for a Strong Fall

Think of summer as your ministry’s “spring cleaning.” When you know who’s still engaged, who’s moved away, and who might need a little encouragement, you can plan more effectively for the fall. Maybe your group needs to split into two. Maybe you need to recruit a co-leader. Or maybe you just need to update your snack rotation (because let’s face it, we all know who’s been dodging their turn).

A clean, accurate ministry list helps you lead with clarity and confidence when things ramp up again.

4. It’s a Great Excuse to Reconnect

Let’s be real—sometimes we need a reason to reach out. “Cleaning up the list” gives you a natural, non-awkward excuse to check in with people. You’re not being nosy; you’re being a good shepherd. Jesus talked about leaving the 99 to find the one. This is your chance to do just that—without needing to chase anyone through the wilderness (unless your group meets at a campsite, in which case… Godspeed).

5. You Might Discover New Needs

When you reach out to absentee members, you might uncover more than just a scheduling conflict. Maybe someone’s been going through a tough time. Maybe they’ve felt disconnected or unsure if they still belong. Your call or message could be the nudge they need to re-engage—or the comfort they need to know they’re not forgotten.

Summer gives you the space to listen, pray, and respond with care.

So, grab a cold lemonade, open up that ministry list, and start sending some text messages or begin making a few calls. You don’t need to overhaul everything—just take a few intentional steps. If you have a bigger group, get your regular attenders involved – they’d be glad to help you reach out to your absentees. You might be surprised at how much good can come from a little summer cleanup. And who knows? By the time fall rolls around, your group might be stronger, more connected, and ready to dive into the next season of growth—snack rotation and all.