The unreality of most resolutions is in direct proportion to their inherent inability to be kept—this year I will reduce my weight back to the thirty-two inch waistline I enjoyed at age 13. Like Israel raising its collective hand to pledge “all that the Lord has said, we will do,” our promises focus on the intent of our own efforts more than on our expectations for heaven’s empowerment.
On the other hand, some resolutions not only are possible, they are essential for increased effectiveness in ministry. Relying on the Holy Spirit’s power, I believe we can expect and experience more in this new year. Specifically . . .
More confidence. God is still on His throne and we can trust Him. We can even trust Him with our own experience of sanctification. “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
More discernment. Too often, winds of unsound doctrine and tickling falsehoods fascinate our members and even captivate our preaching. Through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can “measure twice and cut once” rather than advancing every whim and rumor.
More invitations. Extending gospel invitations is really a choice. If we conclude every message with a call to accept Jesus, results will multiply. Reject making calls only when you suppose someone is present who needs to make a decision but rather upon the reality that someone needs to decide upon that which you have preached with specific purpose. Otherwise, why did you preach? More growth. The fields are ripe, ready for harvest. Do not pray for greater results; pray for reapers.
More concern. Thousands attend worship services longing to hear some good news. They hunger and thirst to see Jesus and His righteousness and deserve our deep concern for their individual and corporate spiritual welfare. Pastor with compassion.
More quality. Clergy lead too many slap-dashed services which have been cobbled together in the vestry rather than planned and prayed into excellence. Even the holy angels cannot sustain interest in such lame offerings.
More opportunities. Too many pastors perform too much work themselves rather than recruiting, training, and deploying laity leaders. And too many ignore the available effective ministry leadership potential of our women and youth that comprise seventy percent of the membership.
More vision. Pray heaven to show you the possibilities beyond just next week’s service or next month’s paycheck. Pray and prepare for where God wants your congregation to be five new years from today.
More mission. And pray heaven to awaken a sense of global need; a view beyond your own precincts. The vitality of your local congregation will be directly impacted by the distance it can see and then participate in ministry beyond its own borders.
More tolerance. Remember, your way is not the only way. Familiarity does not guarantee success. Try new methods and respect those who may differ. While we need unity in doctrine, we desperately need tolerance for differing methodologies. Anyone who believes their mother is the best cook in the world has never traveled far.
More giving. Never apologize for asking people to give. Teach and preach stewardship—both systematic and project benevolence. The hearts of your members will end up in exactly the same place as their treasure.
More focus. You will never do everything you would like to accomplish. Success requires prioritizing. Know and understand your limitations and determine where to expend your energies. “This one thing I do” brings greater results than “These many things I intended!” More affirmation. Appreciation motivates those upon whom our success depends. Begin with your spouse and kids and move on to your elders, laity leaders, school teachers. If you really want to stir things up, drop a thank you note to your judicatory leaders.
More help. Your encouraging telephone call or thoughtful note may be just the lift a colleague needs to sustain burdens that seem overwhelming. If you think you ought to contact someone— you ought to! More reconciliation. Sometimes that note or telephone call needs to be an apology. Even attempting a restoration of fractured relationships eases your own soul and initiates a process that may produce healing later on.
More hope. Return again and again to the certainty of Jesus’ promised return. Preaching the blessed hope both motivates and prepares your members. If you’re ever in doubt as to what to say, preach the Second Coming.
More Jesus. Make our Lord the theme of every sermon, the center of every doctrine, the focus of every prayer, and the reason for every call.
And what will this produce?
More!
