3 Things Every Youth Worker Should Do Before 2025

We’re coming up on the end of another year of life, ministry, marriage, parenting, an election, celebrations, loss, heartache, and countless other things. I love this time of year because it creates a natural desire to want to “look back” on the previous year and “look ahead” to the upcoming year. I’ve always found these final days and weeks of a calendar year to be impactful in my mind, heart, and soul.

As this year comes to a close, here are three things I’d encourage you to do before the start of 2025. Take a day to carve out some time and work through the challenges below. If you’re married, consider inviting your spouse to join you in them. If you’re not, consider inviting a mentor or close friend of yours to help you process through these three steps.

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STEP 1: REFLECT to CELEBRATE

Reflecting is so helpful. That’s why apps like Timehop or your social media Memories section are so fun. A picture might take you back to a memory, situation, or place that you can reflect on.

Reflection isn’t just about looking back to see the things you did this past year; it’s a chance for you to recognize how God was at work in and through you, your family, your ministry, and your church, both big and small.

Taking time to reflect throughout the year helps to remind you as to WHY you do what you do and allows you to celebrate WHAT God has done.

As you reflect, here are some questions to consider:

• What did God do this year that surprised you?
• Who are the people you invested in that you saw take on new challenges this year?
• Who are the people that invested in you that brought you joy, or inspired you?
• What moments in ministry felt like true “God moments” that filled you with gratitude?
• What worship song resonated with you this year?
• What are three things I am grateful for this year?
• What victories am I celebrating?
• Who do I need to thank for journeying with me this year?

As you reflect on those questions, I hope that God will bring you an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude. At the end of the day, how incredible is it that God would not only invite you but use you to advance His Kingdom? Celebrate that!

STEP 2: REST to REFUEL

After a full year (and likely many other previous years) of pouring into others, it is crucial to take time to rest – both mentally, physically, and spiritually. Our rest isn’t out of a reward for a year's worth of hard work. Our rest is out of response to God’s gift. Our rest is a reminder to turn to the Lord as our Refuge, Rock, Sustainer, Comfort, and find restoration. Rest is a gift. A gift is not something you earned but purely out of grace. Rest is not a reward. A reward is something you have earned, and there is nothing about God’s grace and peace that we have earned.

One year in ministry, I went through one of the hardest holiday seasons of ministry requirements. I was navigating a lot at church, walking with a family through a terrible crisis, and experiencing my own personal family interruptions. For whatever reason, as ministry leaders, we often let our own life circumstances compile. I was so thankful that during all of these compilations, a close friend and mentor of mine took me out to lunch with the sole focus of showing me love, care, and affection and telling me to take time and rest. It was a great reminder to turn to my Sustainer and rest in His power and peace.

Jesus says, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I love the words, “Come to me.” It’s an invitation to come to one thing and leave another. Leave the heavy burden, stress, fatigue, and worry of your life and ministry, and come to the Savior. Rest is not a “season.” It is not a “new rhythm.” Rest is a daily invitation from God to find restoration.

As you reflect, here are some questions to consider:

• How has burnout, fatigue, or exhaustion affected me this year?
• Where have I felt God calling me to slow down, but I’ve resisted?
• What can I do differently next year to prioritize rest?
• Are there practices, hobbies, or habits I can develop that help me here?
• What would others say about my ability to rest?
• Who in my life can hold me accountable for prioritizing rest?
• Am I trying to shoulder what isn’t mine and not allowing Jesus to carry what is His?

I love what Charles Spurgeon says here, “Rest for a soul is found in Jesus. The dove never found rest till she came to the ark, not will you till you come back again to Christ. O dear heart, all the sacraments in the world cannot give thee rest, nor can all the preachers that ever spoke, minister rest to thy weary spirit.”

STEP 3: REVISIT to REIMAGINE

Take time to look back and see areas of improvement that can help prepare you as you look ahead. As you revisit your ministry or your calendar for this past year, let it be a guide or a tool in identifying where you want to grow and improve.

How would you reimagine this next year to look different, be better, or grow you? I hope that as you reimagine, it gives you a chance to dream big and pray about where God might lead you next year.

As you revisit what took place this year, this is a chance to think practically on the year about what worked well, what hasn’t, and what new things God might be wanting to do in, through, and for you in the new year.

Some areas to consider revisiting from the year are your personal/family calendar, your ministry calendar, events, extra commitments, accountability in your life, etc.

As you reflect, here are some questions to consider:

• What goals did I set this year, and how well did I accomplish them?
• In what ways can I stretch myself or my ministry to be more effective?
• Where might God be inviting me to take a risk, try something new, or step out of my comfort zone?
• What goals should I consider for next year?
• What is one thing I can do to improve my relationship with Jesus, my family, and my ministry?
• What would I reimagine this next year to make it better than this year?

There it is. This is a guide for you to embrace as this year winds down. I really hope you’ll take some time to sit quietly and let God speak to you about all that He’s done in 2024 and where He might be inviting you to go in 2025. If I can help you journey through this, please don't hesitate to reach out to me!

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