Create a New Year’s Resolution for Your Church

By Brian Mavis

The top 10 most common New Year’s resolutions people make are:

1.      Lose weight

2.      Stop smoking

3.      Stick to a budget

4.      Save or earn more money

5.      Find a better job

6.      Become more organized

7.      Exercise more 

8.      Be more patient with others

9.      Eat better

10.  Become a better person

Are any of those on your list for next year? More than half could apply to me. Some people don’t like making New Year’s resolutions, but I really get into it. I like taking the time to take personal inventory of where I need to improve or change course. And I enjoy working out a plan on how to achieve my new resolution. In fact, I’ve already started my plan for 2006.

But all this resolution stuff got me thinking about you. I wondered, “What if every pastor who got this newsletter made a resolution for his or her church in 2006?” What would your resolution be for the church God has called you to lead? Or better yet, what is Jesus’ resolution for your church?

In Revelation chapters 2 & 3 Jesus takes inventory of seven churches in Asia. The seven churches receive seven different instructions from Jesus. But in spite of their differences, they also all receive the identical command. Jesus says to them all “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”  This command isn’t just for seven churches in Asia two-thousand years ago. It’s a command for every church leader. What is the Spirit saying to your church? Are you taking the time to listen?

As 2006 approaches take the time to ask and listen to what Jesus wants to do in and through your church this year.

© Brian Mavis 2005
Please write Brian at brian@sermoncentral.com for permission to reprint.