Do you make New Year’s Resolutions? According to usa.gov, here are some of the most popular resolutions that people make every year:

• Lose weight
• Volunteer to help others
• Quit smoking
• Get a better education
• Get a better job
• Save money
• Get fit
• Eat healthy food
• Manage stress
• Manage debt

The practice of making New Year’s resolutions goes back over 3,000. A new year means new beginnings and a feeling of a fresh start. Most likely, your church members will be making a few resolutions for 2015. They may include praying more, reading the Bible every day, or attending church more regularly on their list.

Have you ever considered making New Year’s resolutions for your church? Here are few suggestions to jump start your plans for 2015:

Stay focused on the vision
The new year is a good time to evaluate where your church is going. Are you hoping to start a capital campaign in order to expand your church’s ministry? Maybe you’re in the middle of a campaign and need to create a new sense of excitement and support. Make it a point to maintain the focus of your church’s vision.

Connect with members
It’s easy to get stuck in a routine. Take the time to connect with your church members and understand their hardships and plans for the future. When you know more about what’s going on in their lives, you can communicate on a more personal level.

Provide opportunities for stewardship
You can help members grow their spirituality and individual gifts by providing them with opportunities to give and help others. Your members will be able to honor and improve upon the blessings God has given them in life.

Serve the community
Reach out and involve the community in your ministry in 2015. Encourage your church members to connect with others in the area and spread the mission and vision of your church. Open your doors and share the Holy Spirit.

Be open to change
The world is changing rapidly these days. Technology is making our lives easier and providing new opportunities. Be open to using technology to expand your ministry. For example, we have more ways to communicate and share our message. You can reach younger members through social media and texting. You can make it easier for members to donate on a regular basis by offering electronic funds transfer or online payment options.

What is most important to your church for 2015? Think about ways you can create a fresh start in the new year.

Have you made New Year’s resolutions for your church? We would love to hear them!