So, it’s a new year. Time for a new start – new outlook, new goals, new strategies, new programs – but it’s also the perfect time for spiritual renewal. Renewal is important for both ministries and individuals. No person or ministry can grow without taking time periodically to recharge and strengthen its ideals. Take some time and be honest with yourself, brutally so. Breathe, use your hindsight, refocus, look at the big picture, and most importantly, let God do all of it for you.
Every January, the volunteers in our children’s department go to the INCM Children’s Pastor Conference. We get away and worship and fellowship. We get out of our church building and out of our boxes and hang with other kidmins and share our problems and ideas. It’s just a great time.
Conferences are a fantastic way to get encouraged and inspired, but they’re also noisy. The static that is new ideas, new resources, networking, and note-taking is not renewal. At almost every conference I’ve attended, everyone says that their favorite part is the worship services because that is where the renewing Spirit of God is felt.
Renewal is giving yourself back over to God again – letting Him heal the hurts, fill the empty places, and bring you back from the places where you’ve strayed. When we let God renew our spirits, He will clear our minds and hearts for the ministry He has ahead for us giving us the strength and wisdom we need to press on.
Remember, our ministry is all about serving our kids and bringing God glory. But we can’t do that if we’re worn out, empty, discouraged, or overwhelmed with all the holes we’ve found in our boat. So often in ministry, we force ourselves to keep going no matter how much water we’re taking on because we feel like we have to. God never intended for it to be that way, and we have to give ourselves time to be reminded of what God truly wants for us.
So, take a day off for prayer, have a private worship service with your bible and your iPod, or go to a conference – but make sure to make some time to spend with God so that He can renew your spirit for ministry.
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