2023: A Year of Intentionality

Setting resolutions aside…

Let’s talk about INTENTIONAL planning for your church for 2023.

The new year is a great time for vision casting, team building, calendar negotiations, dreaming big, and seeking God.

Whether you have a staff of five or 50, a ministry team thrives with a common vision and deep connections to one another and the Father.  This doesn’t happen with one quick staff meeting. This takes significant time, intentionality, and space to catch fire together of God’s calling for your team. 

Let’s look at these three elements to a good staff retreat.

1.       Time:

Overstated yet still true, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Great ministries cannot be created in a four hour staff meeting full of distractions like phones buzzing and knocks at the door.  Your staff needs time to rest, plan, pray, bond, dream, and listen to the Holy Spirit.  We think best when we don’t feel rushed. Holding a cup of coffee surrounded by creation praising Him is when my heart and mind flood with excitement, refreshment, and ideas. Where do you find your best inspiration? On a walk among tall pines with sunlight streaming in? Sitting on a dock watching the clouds roll by? Praying on a bench near a roaring stream? How long has it been since you had time to rest, reflect, dream, and sit at His feet?

 2.       Intentionality:

The body of Christ is made up of unique individuals who often don’t see eye to eye on everything, but we do have one thing in common. We are called to work together to make disciples! Being connected as a team takes intentionality and effort.  Relationships flourish when teams have time to get to know one another to build those deeper connections.  As you are planning 2023, make time for your staff to have fun together and grow closer. They will need each other through the storms and stress of the year. Encourage them to pray together and carry each other’s burdens as a real example of Christ and the church. Love one another well. When it starts with the leadership, it trickles down throughout your church.

3.       Space:

Disconnecting from the routine does something for our souls. Dr. Dan Bolin, says it best, “Retreats are places where the people of God, the love of God, the truth of God, and the grace of God intersect. At that convergence-within the beauty of God’s creation-lives are changed forever and ever.”  We need to retreat from the busyness and the to- do- lists, just to sit and be still in His creation, His presence, and His love. Finding a good space to refresh is a powerful element of your planning. Good food, warmth, beauty, activity, rest, laughter, time, moments to breath… we need these to clear our minds and hear His still quiet voice. We need that time at His feet before we go out to lead in His charge to go out into the world, making disciples, and sharing the love of Jesus with the world.

As you plan for your year, I pray you find the time to intentionally build into your team in a space that allows refreshment and inspiration.

Jesus,

I lift up all of my brothers and sisters that are seeking to serve You, our KING. May You lead these precious servants as they seek Your will and Your direction for the flock that you have given them.  As they shepherd, Lord, I pray that they also lean into the arms of their Shepherd. Lord, may Your will be done in these lives, ministries, and churches!

Amen

In His Service,

Jenna