As we begin the new year, I have mixed feelings of excitement for a new year and trepidation for what this year could bring to our communities, nation, and world.

Will we, as a nation and as individuals, show solidarity with one another this year, especially with the oppressed?  Will we start treating one another more as a beloved community? Will we rise in support of those who, under possible new governmental policies may be literally put in danger, or at the very least, made uncomfortable?

When I originally wrote this blog, it was December of 2021 and we’d been through the pandemic and, despite the tragedies implicit in a global virus, the new year looked promising.  At that time, focusing on the positive, I sat down to write my New Year’s Resolutions.  I think, with some updates, those resolutions that served me well in 2022 can also expand and enhance my life’s ministry in 2025.  I want to share them with you.

RESOLUTIONS

Be it resolved that in the service of church leaders everywhere, in partnership with God, I will be creative, daring myself to think outside the box, and take on things that scare me. Both within my religion and faith community, and in the broader community that encompasses other religions and spiritualities.

Be it resolved that I will deepen my commitment to authentic Christian community by empowering my ministry team to lead powerfully.

Be it resolved that I will envision and give voice to new futures and not let the fear of failure or rejection hold me back. Like other leaders, I worry about what others think of me. To hell with that.

Be it resolved that with the current divisions in churches, in denominations, in religions, and in the nation, this year, I will move forward more courageously, helping to bridge the divides that keep us apart.

Be it resolved that I will rise from faith in Jesus to the faith of Jesus, allowing myself to take new actions and see both myself and others in new ways.  This will also shift my consciousness to help me become the change I wish to see in the world.

Will I fulfill all of my New Year’s resolutions for 2025? Will I hit every goal? If last year and the year before are any indication, probably not. But that’s ok. Life will present unexpected opportunities and new goals will take the place of old ones.

This year will be a challenge, but it will also be an opportunity to let go and trust God, partner in faith, and set out on vigorous courses of action.  With the guidance of the Holy Spirit, all things are possible. Even the Beloved Community in a nation rife with unrest.

Do you want support in envisioning and enacting new goals to bring peace and renewal to your church and community? Join me for the seminar “How Christian Ministries are Achieving Success”, my free introduction to Creating a Culture of Renewal®. I’ve got several dates available for this 90 minute online opportunity and I look forward to seeing you there.

Interested in shifting YOUR consciousness and embracing real spiritual transformation in 2025? My latest book, Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Faith in Jesus to the Faith of Jesus is now available online.

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