Bishop Tom Lowe
As we approach the new year, ministry leaders are called to a unique balance of planning and praying. “If the Lord be willin’ and the creek don’t rise,” may be just an aged, southern colloquialism, but worth employing still and with a degree of scriptural accuracy. James teaches us about planning without consulting, saying, “And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that” James 4:13-15 (MSG).
So, as the holiday season comes and goes with a blinding flash, we need perspective on the unique responsibility to steer the ministries, congregations and communities we lead into a fresh season of hope, growth and forward spiritual movement. The dawn of a new year is more than just a change in the calendar; it provides an opportunity to refocus, recalibrate and reimagine how we live out our faith in a world full of challenges and opportunities. Here are a few key biblical principles to consider that can shape our approach to 2025
1. Begin With a Renewed Commitment to God’s Vision
One of the most powerful aspects of a new year is the opportunity to begin again. It is a time to realign ourselves to God’s purposes and vision for our lives and the ministries we lead. Someone has said, “Not every good idea is a God idea.” Sadly, I’ve learned that lesson over the long haul. We can so easily superimpose our “great ideas” onto the plans and purposes that God has for us, never really “praying them through.” Proverbs 19:21 says, “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Perhaps our most vital role as Christian leaders is to seek God’s direction, not just for the new year, but for personal growth and for the people we are called to serve.
Praying our way through current issues and seeking God’s wisdom on how to navigate the way forward will not always ensure smooth sailing, but it will provide assurance that Jesus is aboard!
We need wisdom as we reevaluate goals, ministries, projects and expenditures in 2025 – ensuring they align with God’s will. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” Christian leadership demands a continuous renewal of thought, especially as we lead people into new spiritual terrain. Seeking God’s vision over our own ambitions should be our priority as we lead “the sheep of His pasture.”
2. Gratitude for Past Faithfulness
Looking forward should also involve looking back. As Christian leaders, it is important to reflect on all the ways God has been faithful in the past year. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” God’s faithfulness in the past provides a strong foundation for the future. A significant part of a leader’s role is helping people see and remember God’s faithful hand in their lives. The new year provides an opportunity to celebrate the milestones achieved and the hurdles overcome by the grace of God. Gratitude helps shift the focus from anxieties about the unknown to trust in a God who has proven His faithfulness time and time again.
3. Embrace Change with Grace and Flexibility
The future is unpredictable, and the coming year may bring unforeseen disruptions and challenges. However, pastors and leaders should view the potential for change – not with fear, but with anticipation. Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” God works through change to grow and transform His people.
Christian leaders must be conspicuously flexible and open to the new ways God may be working. That may mean adjusting old strategies, phasing out unfruitful ministries to focus energies and resources on new ministry opportunities, or stepping outside of our comfort zones to meet emerging needs. The early church, as the Book of Acts describes, grew and thrived because its leaders were willing to follow the Holy Spirit into unknown territory. In the same way, pastors and ministry leaders today should expect the unexpected and embrace it as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
4. Prioritize Spiritual Growth and Discipleship
As leaders look to the new year, one of the most critical areas to focus on is the spiritual growth and discipleship of those under our care. The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, calls believers to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey all that He commanded. This is the biblical mission of the Church and must be central to all our thoughts and plans for the future.
We should always be thinking about how to strategically foster discipleship. It remains the ongoing question we all face as we lead others to a deeper relationship with Christ. It could involve opening up new Bible study opportunities and mentorship programs, serving in community ministries, and developing a clearer path for spiritual growth in the lives of the people. Creating opportunities for intentional growth will help believers mature in their faith and equip them to be effective witnesses for Christ in their daily lives.
5. Prepare for Perseverance in Adversity
The new year may also bring trials and difficulties, and Christian leaders must be prepared to lead through seasons of adversity. James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider it “pure joy” when they face various kinds of troubles and trials because perseverance leads to maturity. People often look to the reaction of their leaders to formulate their own response to difficulty. Modeling resilience and trust in God during tough times reminds others that challenges can deepen their faith.
Conclusion
As ministry leaders, we should view the new year as a fresh opportunity to align ourselves with God’s will and lead others into deeper gratitude as we embrace this unfolding journey of faith with hope and confidence. With renewed devotion to God’s vision, a fresh commitment to discipleship, and flexibility to adapt to change, we can lead into the new year with the courage and joy that comes from first being led by the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Tom and Trina Lowe are the senior leaders of Christ Church in West Monroe, LA. They have been married for 46 years and have served the Christ Church family for the past 37 years. They have committed their lives to serving people, developing leaders and impacting succeeding generations.
