Reviewing and Reflecting on the Year
As we come to the close of another year in ministry, it’s natural to feel both a sense of accomplishment and the weight of challenges overcome. This season of transition offers a powerful opportunity to look back, to recognize where we’ve seen God at work, and to gain fresh perspective before we step forward.
These reflection questions are designed to help you process the highs and lows of the past year and to celebrate the growth and lessons gained. Whether you engage in these reflections alone, with your leadership team, or with the whole church in mind, may this exercise deepen your gratitude and renew your vision as you enter the new year.
PLAN TO REFLECT
Schedule time on your calendar in advance to work through the reflection questions. 2 hours is a good starting point.
Find a space that is comfortable and free from distractions.
Decide how you’ll capture your reflections (notebook, digital notes, etc).
Start and end with prayer, inviting God to guide you in this reflection process, and asking Him for clarity and wisdom.
Personal Reflection |
What moments of the past year made you feel closest to God, and why?
How have you grown spiritually, emotionally, and professionally this year?
What challenges did you face, and how did you see God at work in those situations?
What lessons have you learned about leadership, faith, or life that have changed your perspective?
In what areas of your life did you experience burnout or fatigue, and what did you learn about keeping yourself healthy?
What are you most grateful for from this past year, and how has that gratitude shaped you?
How did you experience joy in ministry this year, and what brought that joy?
Team and Ministry Reflection |
What accomplishments are you most proud of as a team or a church community?
Where did you see your church grow (spiritually, numerically, in outreach, etc.), and what contributed most to that growth?
What ministries or projects had the most impact, and why do you think they were so effective?
What feedback did you receive from your staff, volunteers, or congregation that was most helpful or eye-opening?
In what areas do you feel your team thrived, and how can you build on that success?
Where did you experience significant challenges as a team, and how did you handle those difficulties?
What relationships within your leadership team strengthened or deepened this year, and what contributed to that growth?
Church-Wide Reflection |
What milestones or significant events shaped the life of your church this year?
How well did your church live out its mission and core values? Where did you see alignment, and where is there room for improvement?
What unexpected opportunities arose this year, and how did you respond to them?
In what ways did your church reach and serve your community, and how can you expand that impact?
What areas of ministry or outreach were less effective, and what can you learn from that experience?
How did you see God move in the lives of your congregation, and what stories of transformation or faithfulness stand out?
What part of the life of the church are you most proud of right now?
Pay It Forward |
Taking time to reflect isn’t just about remembering what happened; it’s about processing the experiences of this year in a way that allows us to learn and grow. As you finish this review,
Consider how the insights gained can shape your approach to the coming year.
Highlight any takeaways or responses that are particularly noteworthy to you.
Share some of the key reflections with a spouse, friend, mentor, or team member.
Select 1-3 action steps you can put into practice, or keep as a habit, based on what you processed, for the new year.