As ministry leaders, we often find ourselves pulled in multiple directions — pouring out our time, energy, and love for the sake of others. But as we enter a new year, it's a chance to pause, reflect, and ask: How is God inviting me to lead differently this year? Perhaps through that reflection one of these resolutions will resonate with you.

Embrace Rest Without Guilt

Rest is not a reward for hard work — it’s a spiritual discipline. Ministry often demands relentless availability, but what if you saw rest as an act of faith? This year, schedule regular Sabbath days and protect them. Make space for quiet walks, naps, and unhurried time with family and intentional time disconnected from obligations.

Want to dig into the idea of sabbath and rest? We’ve had a couple great conversations about this on the Ministry Forum Podcast

Set Clear Boundaries (and Stick to Them!)

When you work in ministry, saying “yes” feels like part of the job description — we say yes to meetings, yes to events, yes to extra pastoral care, and yes to anything that "needs to get done." But at what cost?

The reality is, boundaries are essential for faithful ministry, not just for self-preservation, but for the sake of others too. Without them, leaders risk burnout, resentment, and the false belief that the ministry will collapse if they don’t carry it all themselves.

So, what are you saying "no" to this year?

John’s reflections in this week’s Ministry Forum email offer powerful insight into this. He reminds us that saying "no" isn't about failure — it's about trust. Trust that things might fall apart, and that's okay. Trust that God’s grace can fill the gaps. Trust that the disappointment of others is not a burden we are called to carry.

If you’re not on the Ministry Forum Email list yet, you probably should be…

Prioritize Prayer Over Productivity

“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

When deadlines loom, it’s tempting to power through our work rather than pause to pray. Yet Jesus regularly stepped away to pray — even when the crowds needed him most. In 2025, aim to follow his example. Schedule intentional, unrushed moments of prayer each day, not just before meetings or meals, but in the middle of your work. We’ll be talking a lot more about prayer this year - stay tuned!

Tip for 2025: Set a daily “prayer pause” alarm on your phone. When it rings, stop what you’re doing and take 5-10 minutes to pray, listen, and re-center.

Make Time for Personal Devotion (Not Just Sermon Prep!)

If your Bible reading is always for sermon prep, you might be spiritually malnourished. Personal devotion nourishes the soul in ways that sermon research (or Sunday school prep) cannot. Let the Word speak to you first before you teach it to others. Need some inspiration, or a little help? Ministry Forum is hosting a Thursday night Bible study online using resources from the Canadian Bible Society. Secure your spot here.

Welcome Change (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

Change can be unsettling, but God is always doing a "new thing." In 2025, (try to) approach change with curiosity rather than resistance. Instead of clinging to “the way it’s always been,” ask, “What is God revealing through this change?” The shift you're resisting might be God's invitation to growth. Ministry Forum is on a journey of lifelong learning, we’re committed to bringing you insights and research into the latest church data, tech and new ways forward in ministry. It’s a little less scary when you’ve got a community with you on the journey.

Think Creatively About Ministry

When ministry feels stagnant, creativity is the way forward! Whether it’s reimagining how you teach, finding new ways to engage children, redesigning worship spaces, going all out on your community focused idea, creativity can breathe life into tired routines. God is the Creator, and you bear God’s image! You are made to create! One June 1, 2025 we’re gathering with other creative leaders to talk all about through our spaces,  resources, and actions in our communities. Don’t miss Creative Ways 2025 (more details on that very soon).

Build Community in Leadership

Preaching can be one of the most isolating aspects of ministry. It’s often just you, your Bible, and a blank page staring back at you. The pressure to “get it right” can feel overwhelming, and without a space to bounce around ideas or receive encouragement, it’s easy to feel like you’re going it alone. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

That’s why we’re excited to invite you to be part of something new — The Preaching Collective.

This isn’t just another resource or workshop. It’s a community of preachers journeying together. It’s about transforming sermon preparation from a solo effort into a collaborative, spirit-led process where you are supported every step of the way.

If you’ve ever felt the weight of preaching alone, this is your chance to be part of a group where collaboration replaces isolation.

Act quickly, because the first Preaching Collective weekend is coming up February 21st - 23rd.

Apply Here.

Lead From a Place of Love, Not Fear

When fear drives our decisions, we get stuck in self-protection mode. But love casts out fear. This year commit to leading with love — love for your congregation, your family, and yourself. Speak more gently, listen more deeply, and trust that God’s love holds it all together.

Tip for 2025: Each morning, pray this simple prayer: “Lord, help me to lead from love, not fear, today.