3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

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3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

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3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

Modern Church leader

3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

Category
Church Growth
Publish date
December 29, 2017
Author

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

AUTHOR

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)
AUTHOR

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

VIDEO transcript

(Scroll for more)

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

AUTHOR

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3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

December 29, 2017

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

podcast transcript

(Scroll for more)

H1 What’s a Rich Text element?

H2 What’s a Rich Text element?

H3 What’s a Rich Text element?

H4 What’s a Rich Text element?

H5 What’s a Rich Text element?
H6 What’s a Rich Text element?

The rich text element allows you to create and format headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, images, and video all in one place instead of having to add and format them individually. Just double-click and easily create content.

H4 Static and dynamic content editing

A rich text element can be used with static or dynamic content. For static content, just drop it into any page and begin editing. For dynamic content, add a rich text field to any collection and then connect a rich text element to that field in the settings panel. Voila!

H4 How to customize formatting for each rich text

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

  • List Item 1
  • List Item 2
  • List Item 3

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

Headings, paragraphs, blockquotes, figures, images, and figure captions can all be styled after a class is added to the rich text element using the "When inside of" nested selector system.

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Most church leaders want to build communities that last, with members that stick with them through thick and thin. Without commitment and consistency from members, the church remains more of an event or activity than an actual community.In the following article, we’ll talk about how to build a culture of commitment and consistency at your church–putting down deep roots, helping people to become more like Jesus, and even seeing lasting change in your community at large.
September 14, 2021
How to Practice Gratitude
Ingratitude is a part of the human condition. Even more so, our 21st century world does not create an environment that helps us to practice gratitude. So, how do we change this? We explore some practical tips for how to practice gratitude in our recent blog post.
September 9, 2021
14 Last-Minute Fun Youth Group Activities & Games | Tithe.ly
Looking for youth group activities? We'll highlight 14 of the best last-minute ideas for fun & meaningful youth group activities & games. Read below!
August 6, 2021
How to Make Your Church’s Social Media Look Clean and Professional: 12 Strategies to Boost Growth and Engagement
Use these 12 tools to transform your church's social media from a low-return vanity project to a high-engagement faith community.
August 5, 2021
How to Pick Curriculum for Your Kids & Student Ministry
The top consideration for choosing a church is the quality of the children’s ministry. If you want your church to grow, you need to consider how well you are discipling the youngest in your local mission field. We walk you through the top 3 considerations to keep in mind when choosing a curriculum for your kids and student ministry.
July 20, 2021
Independence Day in Church: 8 Tips for a Meaningful, Growth-Boosting Sunday Service
Independence Day Sunday is an opportunity to reflect deeply on the freedoms we're afforded as Americans. Here are 8 tips to celebrate Independence Day in your church with class.
July 2, 2021
How To Keep Your Church Connected in a Virtual World
Love it or hate it, our world is becoming increasingly virtual. Figure out how to keep your church connected and growing despite the changing landscape.
June 29, 2021
How to Keep In-Person & Virtual Guests Coming Back Each Week
In a day and age when creating a welcoming church environment is more important than ever, we came up with six tips for you to make virtual and in-person church guest friendly.
June 8, 2021
7 Steps to Creating a Must-Read Church Bulletin
People ignoring your church bulletin in-person or online? Follow these 7-steps to turn your bulletin into a must-read document.
May 25, 2021
The Church That Went Online - How ELCA’s Solution to 2020 Will Live On
Along with streaming worship services, ELCA needed to stay connected with their congregation and provide a way to give. That’s where Tithe.ly stepped in.
May 11, 2021
Jesus’ Revolutionary Regard for Women
Jesus’ interactions with women tell us a great deal about the heart of God.
April 5, 2021
The Other Resurrections in the Bible
At Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, but His is not the only one in Scripture.
March 29, 2021
A Primer on the Fruit of the Spirit
One of the best-known passages in Scripture may not mean what you think.
March 22, 2021
8 Easter Ideas During COVID
Thinking about how to celebrate Easter as a church during a pandemic? Here are a few creative ideas.
March 1, 2021
How to Start an Online Ministry—and Why It’s So Important
Wondering how to make a kingdom impact online? Here’s a simple guide to help!
February 25, 2021
Dedicated Church Apps: Stewardship for the Great Commission
Wondering if your church needs its own app? Here are some reasons to consider it.
February 22, 2021
Why Your Church Should Observe Lent This Year (If It Isn’t Already)
Not sure what to make of Lent? Here are a few tips to get you started.
February 18, 2021
A Short Guide to Inductive BIble Study
Learn the inductive Bible study method to get more out of your time in God’s Word.
February 8, 2021
A Primer on the Not-So-Minor Minor Prophets
Looking to read and understand The Minor Prophets? Check out this short guide with all the basics.
January 28, 2021
Church Communications: A Biblical Guide
How to Use Texts and Emails to Build up the Body of Christ
January 25, 2021
Beyond the New Year’s Slump: Encouraging Your Church to Daily Grow in Christ
Taken from the writings of the apostle Paul, here are three ways to encourage your church in their walk with Jesus when their New Year’s resolutions fall apart.
January 18, 2021
How to Pray for the Sick: 3 Powerful Prayer Principles
Are you praying for the sick as part of your ministry? Here’s a short, biblical guide to encourage you as you step out in faith.
January 11, 2021
4 of the Best Bible Study Apps for Daily Scripture Reading
Looking for a way to help your church stay connected to God's Word in the busyness of life? We’ve assembled a list of the best Bible study apps for iPhone and Android devices.
December 23, 2020
4 Sermon Ideas to Start the New Year Right
Looking for New Year's sermon ideas? Here are four approaches to help your church start the year off right.
December 21, 2020
The Importance of Worship Backgrounds for Your Church
Searching for more information on worship backgrounds? ✓ We detail why worship backgrounds are important, visual trends, and best practices. Click here!
December 16, 2020
Christmas Eve Service: 4 Steps to Creating a Plan
The Christmas Eve service is a favorite time of worship and outreach for churches. Follow these 4-steps to get ready.
December 3, 2020
Church Hospitality: A Short Guide
Church hospitality isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s essential. Here are 4 practical ways to prepare for the 2 types of guests you should expect.
November 18, 2020
COVID-19 and Church Tech: Changes You Need to Know
COVID-19 has changed the church in many ways—including giving and engagement. See how churches have partnered with church tech companies to continue the work of the Kingdom of God.
September 21, 2020
How to Study the Bible: A Master Toolset on Bible Study for Beginners
Studying the Bible can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. Use this process to enrich your study of God’s word.
September 2, 2020
Is Money Messing with Your Marriage? Try These 5 Money Management Tips
Money and marriage is challenging. It can be a source of blessing. Or it can be a struggle. Here are five tips you and your spouse can use to manage your money well.
August 26, 2020
The Ultimate Guide to Digital Connect Cards
Digital connect cards are essential to connecting with your community. Here’s a step-by-step guide to show you how.
August 24, 2020
Why Christian Memes Matter & The 10 Best Accounts
Looking for Christian memes? We'll explain why Christian memes are taking over the internet & explain where to find the best ones. Find out here!
August 21, 2020
14 Ways To Reach People In Post-Christian America | Tithe.ly
Want to reach out to post-christian America? We'll explain 14 of the best ways to meaningfully engage with those who have left the church. Read here!
August 21, 2020
The Ultimate Church Business Meeting Playbook
Looking for church business meeting tips for success? We'll highlight 14 practices to follow to professionalize your business meetings. Read here!
August 21, 2020
Church Staff Salaries Guide With Real Numbers
Curious about church staff salaries? We'll explain how pastor salaries can change depending on location, if they are ordained & more. Read here!
August 21, 2020
How To Get People To Volunteer At Church
Wondering how to get people to volunteer at church? We'll highlight our 5-step model to convert attendants into active volunteers. Find out here!
August 21, 2020
How to Write a Check Explained in This Simple Step-by-Step Guide
Trying to figure out how to write a check? Don’t sweat it. You’re not alone. Here we break down the steps you need you to take.
July 21, 2020
30+ Bible Verses About Investing & Saving Money | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about investing & saving money? We'll highlight over 30 verses to help you understand what the Bible says. Read here!
July 20, 2020
7 Best Examples of Anglican Church Websites
Does your church website need a boost? Read below to see the 7 Best Examples of Anglican Church Websites.
July 7, 2020
“The Unforgivable Sin”: A Definitive Guide | Tithe.ly
The unforgivable sin has been debated ever since Jesus spoke it. Check out this definitive guide to better understand this often misunderstood teaching.
July 1, 2020
7 Church Fundraising Lessons from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations
Here is how to take the fundraising principles from Billion Dollar Nonprofit Organizations and apply them to your church. Read here!
June 29, 2020
Fundraising Tips from the Most Successful Nonprofits in the World
The top 100 charities raised $51.5 billion dollars in 2019. And there are several fundraising tips your church can learn to raise more money for your mission.
June 22, 2020
19 Bible Verses About Greed And Wealth | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about greed? We'll highlight verses about greed to enrich your understanding of wealth, generosity & discipleship. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Make Your Father’s Day Sermon Memorable | Tithe.ly
Want to make your Father’s Day Sermon memorable? We'll highlight the top 7 tips to make your church's service memorable & meaningful. Read here!
June 22, 2020
26 Bible Verses About Technology | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about technology? We'll highlight verses about technology to help guide the use of technology in your life & church. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How Christian Entrepreneurs Change The World | Tithe.ly
Wonder how Christian entrepreneurs teach the Word of God? We'll explain how entrepreneurs can use their business to make disciples. Read here!
June 22, 2020
100 Bible Verses About Making Decisions | Tithe.ly
Looking for Bible verses about making decisions? We'll highlight passages about choices & wisdom to guide & support your decision making. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Charitable Giving Statistics To Raise More Money | Tithe.ly
Researching charitable giving statistics? We'll explain 9 stats to help you raise money & make a greater impact in your community. Read here!
June 22, 2020
How To Create A Church Social Media Strategy | Tithe.ly
Want to create a church social media strategy? We'll explain how to plan your social media strategy to develop an online presence. Read here!
June 22, 2020
Raise Money in Difficult Times, Why Church Growth Plateaus and Boosting Engagement
This week on Modern Church Leader, we spoke with one of the top 10 fastest growing churches, shared giving appeal advice, and small group engagement tips.
June 19, 2020
12 Powerful Prayers For Your Church | Tithe.ly
Looking for a powerful prayer for church? We'll highlight 9 powerful prayers from the Bible for your church, for perseverance, for generosity & more. Read here!
June 19, 2020
3 Ways to Engage Church Members with an App
How you engage your church has changed. What used to work doesn’t work anymore. How do you stay connected? Simple. With a church app. Here’s how.
June 18, 2020

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3 Ways to Make a Christ-Centered Start in the New Year

December 29, 2017

Show notes

New Year’s may be just another day off for you. But it doesn’t have to be. You can use this season of change to draw yourself, your church, and your community closer to Christ.

Here are three ways you can get ready for the new year.

#1. Reflect on the previous year

New Year’s is a mixed bag of emotions. When you think about your previous year, you may feel shame or guilt or excitement and hope.

Regardless of how you feel about last year, it’s important you take the time to reflect.

  • What did you accomplish?
  • What goals did you miss?
  • How would you like to change?

Now, if you think this past year was a success or failure, it’s important to set your eyes on the Lord and his faithfulness toward you (even if you cannot see or feel it). In time, the Lord will work everything together for good (Rom. 8:28). So, the best response as you reflect upon the previous year can be one of thankfulness.

#2. Seek renewal

If anything, the new year is a reminder of old sins and new beginnings. As the new year approaches, seek renewal in Christ through reading the Bible, prayer, and participating in the life of your local church. Allow the Lord to do an in-depth work in your soul.

#3. Patiently plan

The New Year’s holiday naturally brings with it the idea of new resolutions. Before committing yourself personally or your church to new plans, prayerfully and patiently move forward.

If you can, get away for a few days or longer to seek the Lord in prayer (be sure to read 7 Ways Pastors Can Take a Break on a Budget). Taking time off will give you the opportunity to receive inspiration from the Lord for the ideas you have.

What is more, for your personal goals, invite your family and friends into the process. Give them the opportunity to speak into what you’re doing. For your church, be sure to invite your church’s leadership into the process. By giving your leadership an opportunity to speak into your plans, you will provide them with a greater sense of ownership.

What are you praying for in the new year? Share your ideas in the comments below!

video transcript

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