Rest, Reflect, Refocus: Ending the Year Well in Children's Ministry

The nights are getting darker, the days are getting colder... and you’re wondering whether to brave using glitter in crafts this year! For children and family workers, the Christmas season can feel like the biggest event of the year, so before you get wrapped up (sometimes literally) here are three ideas to help you reflect and finish the year well.

1. “Rest in his love”

Zephaniah 3 v 17 says: “The Lord your God is with you; the mighty One will save you. He will rejoice over you. You will rest in his love; he will sing and be joyful about you.”

 What a beautiful reminder that God delights in his people. Before we look at what we've done for him this year, we can rest in the truth that we are loved by him. Take a moment to reflect on what has gone well, not just the big events but the little moments where you saw God at work. The questions that went deeper, the moments when you sensed the Holy Spirit at work, the family you were able to support in a time of need.

Take a moment to chat to God, asking what delighted Him as He looks back over your year. Remember that there will be moments that you never got to see and seeds that are growing that you didn’t even realise you planted.

• What am I most grateful for this year?

• What moment do I want to remember?

• As I listen to God, what does he want me to notice about this year?

2. “Reflect on his work”

The temptation at this time of year is to look back and ask whether targets have been met or goals achieved. But what if, instead of focusing on improvement, we made space to notice transformation?

2 Corinthians 3:18 reminds us that the Holy Spirit is at work in us, transforming us to become more like Jesus. This isn't an instantaneous change; it's a journey we travel with God.

As you reflect on the year, ask the Holy Spirit to show you where that transformation has been taking place. Not 'Did I fail?' or 'Did I do enough?' but 'How have you been quietly transforming me?'

Maybe you’ve become more patient during challenging moments, maybe you’ve grown in compassion for those with additional needs, invested in team or given yourself permission to rest.

• Where have I noticed the Spirit changing me this year?

• What has become a little more like Jesus than it was twelve months ago?

• Where have I experienced God's grace most deeply?

   

3. Refocus on his plans.

Before the exhaustion of Christmas why not make some plans of how to invest in yourself in the future and ask God for a fresh vision for the year ahead. 

• What do I want to learn next year?

Proverbs 9 v 9 says “Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser.” What area would you like to grow and develop your knowledge next year?

For UK-based children's and families workers, the Hand in Hand Conference in February is a wonderful opportunity for teaching, worship, fellowship and resourcing. Why not make space for it in your plans for the year ahead? And if you'd like to equip your team to teach the Bible with greater confidence, I'm looking for churches interested in hosting a Building Bible Literacy half-day workshop in 2027. I'd love to hear from you!

Investing in yourself doesn't have to mean doing more. Sometimes it means stepping away from your usual routine, spending time with others who understand your ministry, and allowing yourself to be taught, encouraged and refreshed.

• Where do I want to grow next year?

Colossians 2 v 7 reminds us to “Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him.” What might help you grow spiritually next year? Don't feel guilty about the Bible-reading plan you abandoned halfway through the year. Celebrate the time you did spend with God, and consider what might help you encounter him in your everyday life.

• What do I need to let go of next year?

Sometimes making room for something new means leaving something behind, or passing responsibility to someone else. Perhaps there's a commitment you need to release, an approach that's no longer serving your ministry, or a disappointment you don't need to carry into the next year. Isaiah 43:18–19 reminds us to look for the new thing God is doing. What might you need to let go of so that you can recognise and respond to what comes next?"

Before the Christmas rush takes over, give yourself permission to pause. Rest in the knowledge that God delights in you, reflect on the work he's doing in your life, and refocus on what he might be inviting you into next.

You don't have to have everything figured out before January arrives. Just make a little space to listen, because God has exciting plans for you in 2027!