I LOVE an event, especially a themed one, and one of my greatest joys as a girls’ minister is creating space for them to come and see the love of Jesus through everyday experiences. Fostering shared experiences is one of the most important aspects of relational youth ministry. Events can help to bring girls in, allow them to feel comfortable, and grow your relationship with students as well as their relationships with each other.
It can be difficult sometimes to brainstorm events when there are so many other things happening in our ministries, so here are some fun ideas for things you can do in your girls’ ministry this fall.
1. School Planner Decorating
Have your girls bring their planners, pens, and highlighters. They can write encouraging words, verses, reminders, etc. for themselves or others to read throughout the school year. You can provide a few things like extra pens, highlighters, or even stickers, and have some drinks and snacks while you write in your planners.
2. Host an Outdoor Movie
Hook up a projector outside, have students bring chairs and blankets, and serve hot chocolate and popcorn as you watch a movie together. This is a great opportunity to show something like The Chosen TV show to share the Gospel AND have a movie night- it’s a win-win.
3. Homecoming Bouquet/Mum Making Party
Have everyone pitch in to bring one bouquet of flowers so there’s a variety for everyone to use. You can also get some ribbons and other accessories to decorate. I did this in the spring with some of the high school girls for prom and it was so much fun! We all wore our PJs and ate breakfast together. The girls will feel so loved that you care about the things they care about.
4. Latte Bar Bible Study
Grab a few different creamers, toppings, whipped cream, and- of course- coffee, and set up a latte bar for everyone to enjoy before you dive into God’s word. Having a special treat can make even the mundane everyday life things more fun!
5. Bonfire Worship Night (With S’mores!)
If you have girls who can play instruments or sing, this is a great opportunity for them to lead and step outside of their comfort zone! There’s nothing like s’mores and worship by a fire.
6. Pumpkin Painting/Carving
There are so many ways you can do this! You can have everyone bring their own pumpkin, have girls work on teams, or make it a competition and give away a prize at the end of the night- the options are endless! It can be more or less messy depending on if you want to just paint the pumpkins or carve them. Either way, make sure you have A LOT of trash bags and clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty!
7. Apple/Pumpkin Picking
This last event will depend on where you live and the availability of pumpkin patches and apple orchards. This works best as a small group event rather than a large one. The girls can dress up and take pictures while they’re out picking pumpkins/apples and have sweet memories to look back on. Bonus- ride together in the same car to maximize relational time AND jam out together.
Emily Skaggs serves as the Girls' Minister at Fellowship of Montgomery in Montgomery, Texas, and has been working in student ministry since 2022. After coming to know Jesus during her freshman year of college, Emily knew she was called to girls' ministry. She is an Arkansas native who loves baking, traveling, taking her dog on walks, and having deep conversations.