A Fresh Start or Familiar Struggle? Facing the New Year in Ministry

By Bethel B. Webb

The New Year often carries a sense of hope—a chance to hit the reset button, to reimagine and reboot life after the ups and downs of the past twelve months. For many, it’s a season of renewal and optimism.

But if you’re in ministry, especially in the trenches of church revitalization, the New Year can feel less like a fresh start and more like a weight pressing down. Instead of hope, you might feel stuck, trapped, or overwhelmed by the challenges of the past year and what lies ahead.

If you’re dreading the coming year, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward. Here are some practical, faith-filled steps to help you recalibrate, find renewed purpose, and embrace the year ahead:

  1. Pour Out Your Heart to God Through Lament
    Ministry is hard, and God invites us to bring our burdens to Him. Lament isn’t weakness; it’s worship in the rawest form. Take time to share your frustrations, sadness, and hopes with God in prayer. Pick up the journal Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy for a guide through lament. 

  2. Count Your Blessings
    Even in a tough year, God’s fingerprints are there. Reflect on the past year and make a list of things—big or small—you’re grateful for. Gratitude shifts your perspective and reminds you of His faithfulness. 

  3. Review What Didn’t Work
    Growth requires honesty. What ministry strategies, habits, or patterns didn’t bear fruit this year? Identifying what didn’t work isn’t failure—it’s an opportunity to learn and pivot. You can ask the following questions: 

  • Missed Goals:
    Which goals or projects didn’t pan out?

  • Unexpected Roadblocks:
    What challenges cropped up unexpectedly?

  • Patterns of Frustration:
    Were there recurring issues (procrastination, lack of resources, etc.)?

4. Brainstorm Solutions
Once you’ve pinpointed what fell flat, tackle it with a problem-solving mindset. List ten possible ways to address each challenge, even if some ideas seem impractical—they may spark a breakthrough. You may also reflect on the following: 

  • Adjust Goals:
    Reassess your aspirations and timelines.

  • Address Weak Spots:
    How can you work on areas where things went awry?

  • New Strategies:
    Implement tools, habits, or support systems to avoid similar pitfalls.

5. Name Your Fears and Make a Plan
The unknown can paralyze us. Write down your worries for the year ahead, then think through concrete steps you can take to address them. Preparation doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it equips you to face it with confidence.

6. Craft a Rule of Life
A Rule of Life is like a trellis that helps you grow intentionally in your relationship with God and others. Set rhythms and goals for spiritual practices, relationships, self-care, and ministry work. Writing it down helps you stay grounded and focused.

The New Year doesn’t have to feel like a mountain of dread. With intentionality and a heart open to God’s leading, you can enter this next season with renewed hope and purpose—even in the hardest ministry contexts.

Bethel was born in Manila and was raised in Laoag City, Philippines. Growing up as a pastor’s kid exposed Bethel to the challenges of full-time ministry. She serves as Care Manager and partners with Practical Shepherding through providing counseling to pastor’s wives.

Bethel Webb