Written by: Different Voice
12/29/2008 7:00 AM 

1. What were the highlights of 2008, and what made them peak moments?

   

   Make yourself a 2-column list, with the events that you want to remember and a few comments about the key factors that made them exceptional.
2. What were the low points of the year, and what could we have done differently in those situations? Don't wallow in disappointment, but be honest about your failures and shortcomings, identifying what you can learn from each one.
3. What do the volunteer teachers and leaders in my congregation need next? Are there special training sessions you need to hold, notes of encouragement you need to write, or classes that need special attention?
   
4. What are my own goals for 2009? Write them down, post them somewhere where you'll see them regularly, and begin to plan the action steps needed to achieve them.
   
5. What upcoming events need extra attention from me in the next few weeks? Think about Advent, Confirmation, and special Summer trips in particular, as well as any special activities, celebrations, or classes which are unique to your congregation.
   
6. What have I left unfinished in 2008 that I need to be certain to wrap up soon? Consider such things as financial matters, written reports, filing, final purchases, and staff evaluations.
   
7. How do I intend to nurture my own spiritual, personal, family, intellectual, and social life in the coming year? Make a list of your intentions, and then draw up an action plan. Intentions without plans are like gourmet cooking ingredients without a recipe—tasty, but with unfulfilled purpose.
   
8. Where can I improve my communication efforts? Think about how you utilize contemporary tools like blogs, listservs, and instant messaging, but also reflect on how you can be a better storyteller about what is happening in your ministry and in your congregation.
9. Who are the people I need to invite to be in ministry with me this year? Think about new persons in the congregation, youth who are ready for leadership, parents who have children who are active but who are not themselves involved, and others you believe have particular gifts which could be shared through the education ministries of your congregation.
   
10. What do I need to do in 2009 so that I'll be prepared for 2010 and beyond? While just thinking about the coming year can seem overwhelming right now, the farther out you plan the more you will operate out of a sense of vision and focus instead of just operating by rote or in reaction to what seems most urgent. 
    

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