What Are You Planning This Summer?

By Christian Huntley - LCMC - May 27, 2026

Each summer arrives with fresh hopes—more space to read, time to rest, chances to dream and plan. But none of those things happen by accident. Summer may bring a different rhythm, but it still calls for the same intentionality. It is a good season to shape us in meaningful ways.

One of the gifts of a new season is the invitation to pause and take an honest look at our lives—personally and in ministry. Not just to ask what am I doing, but how am I doing? Where am I growing? Where am I stuck? What needs attention that I’ve been too busy to notice?

The LCMC LeaderCare Initiative invites us into this kind of reflection by focusing on six core areas of formation. These areas are not complicated—they simply describe the whole of who we are and how we live. They are practical guides to help us remain healthy, grounded, and faithful over the long haul of ministry.

This summer, don’t just hope for things to be different—choose something different. Take time to evaluate honestly. Invite God to reveal both strength and need. Then take a step.

Pick one or two areas to intentionally nurture.
Try a new practice that stretches you.
Or recommit to a habit you’ve let slip.

Each idea below is designed to be actionable this summer and cultivate healthy habits in life and ministry.

So, what are you planning this summer?

Relational Formation

Create a rhythm of connection by scheduling a coffee or lunch each week to connect with someone. By scheduling it advance, it is more likely to happen.
Use Prepare-Enrich’s conversation guide to build connection with your spouse
Sign up for a league (e.g. soccer, archery, bowling)

Spiritual Formation

Go on a 24 or 48 hour retreat. Many camps and retreat centers offer simple spaces to get away. Turn off your devices. Pick up a bible or prayer journal. It might be a challenge the first time or two.
Worship with a different worshipping community three times over the summer.
Schedule a few sessions with a spiritual director

Emotional Formation

Read “Changes that Heal” by Dr. Henry Cloud or “Pastor as Person” by Gary Harbaugh
Meet with a counselor or therapist MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES >>
Do a Bible study on Psalms or Lamentations

Mental Formation

Practice 24-hour technology breaks (tech sabbath)
Start a new hobby
Plan & schedule how to use your vacation and study leave in 2026

Physical Formation

Use the nice weather for one meeting a week to be a walking meeting
Evaluate your “sleep health” and practice one good habit (e.g. no screens 1 hour before bed)
Read “You're Only Human” by Kelly M. Kapic

Vocational Formation

Audit a class from a LCMC connected seminary VIEW SEMINARIES >>
Track how many hours are dedicated to your core vocations for one week
Spend time praying over your city/town.

Author

Christian Huntley

Christian is passionate about the church being the tangible, loving expression of Jesus on earth. He is husband to Jenna and father to Vera and Georgiana. He lives in the beautiful St. Croix River valley in Minnesota. When he is not working or building LEGOs with his girls, he enjoys being outside, preferably hunting, golfing, or around a bonfire. If he can be with people, he will try about anything. Wherever he is found, it is likely he possesses a brewed beverage - coffee, tea, or beer - and is on the lookout to hear someone’s story. He loves to listen and learn! Feel free to tell him about your favorite podcast.

What Are You Planning This Summer?