There’s a lot of pressure in January. It is supposed to be a time for new beginnings but frequently January is a recovery time without a clear focus — and we fail to get traction to move forward. One of the best ways to start the new year strong is to start in December. You won’t regret carving out time to think these things through…
5 Questions to Ask in December
1. How are you doing—really?
Every day people ask how you are doing and you probably give a one word answer. That is likely the most appropriate response. However, to start the new year strong you need to answer the question honestly. A key aspect of accomplishing next year’s goals is having clarity on your starting point. Take some time to reflect on the various aspects of your life. Keep this personal and introspective. How is your physical, spiritual, mental, emotional health? What is the state of your most important relationships? How well are you handling your workload? We all have blind spots. To get a fuller picture, ask those close to you how they think you are doing.
Celebrate each and every victory with even just a moment of gratitude. Really feel it. That celebration is the key to looking at the next part with objectivity and strength.
Then look at the areas that need to be better next year. What step can you take today that will make the biggest difference in bringing better health to that area?
2. How are the people in your care doing?
Think about this from a personal level and then a ministry level. Ask God to give you eyes to see and make space to ask and listen to others. Assumptions will get you into trouble. Be sure you have a clear understanding about the health of those around you; your spouse, children, parents, family members, neighbors, co-laborers, and those you are shepherding.
Start with celebration again. The date nights, trips, dinners and games. The transformations, baptisms, and celebrations. You were present for some really amazing moments this year.
But it wasn’t all great. There were tough times—those that you can bear witness to and those you may have been party to. Take a moment to honor the pain of others. And repent of any pain you have caused. Spend some time in prayer for the people in your life that are really struggling. Ask God how you can best come alongside them in this season. Make a plan to make it so.
3. What were the biggest wins of the year—and how did they move your mission forward?
The first two questions were more personally focused. The next three questions can be powerful in the personal arena—feel free to use them so—but be sure to ask them of your ministry.
Write down the events and groups that were the best attended and those that people are still talking about. What made them so successful? Now sermons—what are the most memorable and why?
Now take out your mission and vision statements and the goals you have for 2024. In what ways did your top events, classes, and sermons move your mission forward? How did they help you get a little closer to seeing your vision become reality? What goals did they help you accomplish?
This can be a little tricky to look at with objectivity. Sometimes in hindsight great things are discovered to be more of a distraction from the mission. If that is the case, acknowledge it. Look for the distraction and for ways that you can better align these successful events with the mission and vision of the church.
4. What were the biggest failures of the year—and what can you learn from them?
Failure should be celebrated. It means you tried something. You had an idea, were bold and vulnerable and took a leap. Sure, maybe you crashed and burned. This time. It’s only truly a failure when you don’t reflect to see what went wrong, learn from your mistakes, and try again.
So, write down those “failures”—those attempts that didn’t work this time. By what metrics are you declaring it a failure? Where did it go wrong? What went right? What are you learning?
Whatever it was, if it was done in alignment with your mission and vision and intent to move it forward it is probably worth another try. What needs to change to make it more successful the next go around?
5. Where is God at work—and how can you join in that work?
Finally, take a step back and look for what God is doing around you. The Spirit of God is at work in your community. The mission Jesus gave the church is to make disciples and the best way to do that is partner with what the Holy Spirit is already doing.
Practice a posture of ongoing prayer during your commute and as you go about your day. Ask God to get give eyes to see softening hearts and needs you can help meet. Go for prayer walks, explore websites of other ministries, watch sermons from other churches in your neighborhood. Find encouragement in the common threads.
As you consider all of these things, how do you sense God opening up doors for you to bring hope to your community next year? Brainstorm with your team on ways to make this happen.
Coaching
Asking and answering these questions can feel daunting. Don’t let that stop you. If you need some help processing through these—or other questions that are making you feel stuck—a great coach can help. Contact us today to set up a complimentary meeting with Dr. Bob Logan to learn how coaching can help you have a successful 2025.