Winter has a way of making everything feel sluggish—students, leaders, and let’s be honest, even us youth pastors. Between holiday breaks, bad weather, and the general exhaustion of the school year, it’s easy for faith habits to take a hit. But now that spring is here, it’s time to help students shake off the slump and start growing again.

Just like nature comes back to life in spring (hello, allergies 🌸), this is a perfect season to refresh students’ faith, reestablish good habits, and help them take the next step spiritually. Here’s how to help them spring forward into a season of growth.

1. Start with Small, Achievable Goals

A lot of students know they should be reading their Bible, praying, and growing in their faith… they just don’t know where to start. Instead of overwhelming them with a massive commitment, help them set small, achievable goals.

Challenge them to read one chapter of the Bible a day, pray for a friend each morning, or find one worship song that connects with them. Small wins build momentum, and momentum leads to growth.

2. Refresh Your Teaching & Small Groups

If winter felt like a rut, spring is a great time to shake things up. Try a new teaching format, start a fresh series that meets students where they are, or change up how small groups run.

You could introduce student-led discussions, incorporate creative prayer stations, or even meet outside if the weather allows. Anything that feels new will help re-engage students who checked out during the colder months.

3. Plan a Spiritual Reset Event

Sometimes, students need a big moment to help them move forward. Spring is a great time for a spiritual reset night—a focused evening of worship, prayer, and recommitment.

This doesn’t have to be a huge event. It could be as simple as a night where students share testimonies, write down distractions they need to let go of, or take communion together. The goal is to help them see spring as a fresh start in their walk with Jesus.

4. Make Faith Habits Fun & Relational

Let’s be real—students are more likely to stick with something if they do it together. Encourage them to find a faith buddy—a friend they can text when they read their Bible, pray for daily, or talk about what God is teaching them.

You could even turn this into a friendly challenge:
✅ Who can memorize the most Bible verses?
✅ Who can complete a short devotion series on YouVersion?
✅ Who can invite a new friend to church first?

Healthy competition plus spiritual growth? That’s a win-win.

5. Show Them Progress, Not Perfection

One reason students struggle with faith habits is because they think, If I mess up once, I’ve failed. But the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Remind them that spiritual growth is like planting a seed. You won’t see fruit overnight, but consistent care—small steps of faith—will lead to big results. Celebrate their progress, encourage them when they stumble, and remind them that God is working even when they don’t feel it.

Spring into Growth

Spring is all about new beginnings, and it’s the perfect time to help students grow in their faith again. Whether it’s through small steps, fresh teaching, or intentional encouragement, you can help them move forward after a winter slump.

So take a deep breath, shake off the sluggishness, and let’s help students spring forward in their walk with Jesus! 🌱🙌