Ep. 309: Expectations for a New Year

Brian Croft and Jim Savastio discuss the unique pressures pastors face as a new year begins—balancing personal renewal and congregational expectations. The conversation covers the common emotional lows of January, heightened by holiday stress and societal pressures, and the tendency to feel overwhelmed by the need for “grand” vision sermons. Practical insights offered include gradual transitions into new routines, quarterly rather than yearly sermon planning, careful budgeting, and slowly restarting church events. Pastor, be encouraged— focus on faithful, consistent ministry, prioritizing spiritual health and realistic planning over grand resolutions.

(01:00) Pressures Pastors Face in January: Discussion on new year challenges, unique pressures, and planning.

(02:12) Biblical Foundations: Proverbs 16 and James 4 applied to planning and reliance on God's guidance.

(05:00) Melancholy and Societal Pressure: Addressing the emotional and practical challenges pastors face at the year's start.

(10:00) Preaching Pressure: Balancing expectations, routines, and physical/spiritual health.

(15:00) Vision Sermons: The purpose and scope of beginning-of-year vision messages.

(21:21) Practical Planning: Realistic planning for preaching, events, and finances.

(28:13) Financial & Event Planning: Budget, spending, and gradual ramp-up of church activities.

(32:40) Final word and prayer