Two Revs Productions

As we enter a new year, we often make resolutions to improve different areas of our lives. We focus on personal and professional growth, health, getting out of debt, and fitness. Kinda like Lent but not motivated by the church but instead motivated by the fact that we have survived another year and want to make the best of it. However, what about our spiritual growth? Setting spiritual goals is essential for clergy and church members who seek to establish and deepen their connection with Jesus. Spiritual development involves investing time, intentionality, money, and effort in nurturing our relationship with God. So, I want to discuss exploring effective strategies to identify growth areas, establish achievable milestones, and seamlessly integrate these goals into church life because your faith life matters.

On a side note, I have talked to many Christians over the years and am shocked to know that spiritual investments are not a high priority for some. Before you think I am being judgmental, if I am honest, at times, I have also fallen into this trap of not prioritizing my spiritual growth. Life can get busy and overwhelming, and pushing aside our spiritual goals in favor of more tangible and immediate tasks is easy. But the truth is that neglecting our spiritual growth can hurt all other areas of our lives.

So, what are some pointers to setting spiritual goals? First, you must identify areas in your faith life in which you want to grow. This could be anything from spending more time in prayer and reading the Bible to getting involved in a ministry or outreach program. These goals should be specific and meaningful to you.

So here is my list. Knowing that I need this as much as anyone else:

Start with an honest self-assessment: The first step in setting spiritual goals is evaluating your spiritual life. Reflect on your prayer life, Bible study habits, church attendance, service to others, and relationships with fellow believers. Ask yourself: what area(s) do I need to improve? Perhaps you must prioritize Bible study by creating a consistent routine or attending church regularly. Knowing your weaknesses can help you chart a growth plan aligning with your needs.

Before last year started, in late Dec. 2022, I bought the BestSelf Journal. Now, I have, to be honest, it sat on the shelf for 13 months because I was afraid. I was scared to get started, fearful of failing at it and not being consistent, but most of all, I didn’t want to admit I was unsuccessful. Well, that is some faulty logic! How can I expect to grow if I am unwilling to acknowledge my weaknesses?

Set achievable and measurable goals: After identifying your areas of improvement, set specific attainable and quantifiable goals. The goal-setting process should involve defining what you intend to achieve, determining the steps you need to take, and setting a deadline. For example, you can set a goal to read the Bible for thirty minutes daily or attend midweek Bible study every Wednesday. Having measurable goals allows you to track your progress and helps you celebrate small milestones along the way.

In today’s world, numerous tools can assist you in breaking down your goals online, completely free of charge. This is an area where artificial intelligence truly shines. AI can help you break down your goals into manageable steps and hold you accountable for making them happen. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a friend or your pastor or drop me a line if you’re feeling desperate.

Get an accountability partner: An accountability partner checks in with you and helps keep you committed to your goals. Sharing your goals with someone who shares your faith and values can catalyze your spiritual growth process. An accountability partner can help you stay motivated, lend a supportive ear, and provide honest feedback when your progress stalls. Ask a fellow church member, pastor, or mentor to be your accountability partner.

The Wesleyan tradition introduced the concept of “band meetings,” a Christian practice that dates back to the 18th century. These meetings were small gatherings of five to ten people who met regularly for the primary purpose of confession, encouragement, and prayer for one another. They were rooted in absolute honesty, where each member was allowed the space to share their struggles, victories, and temptations. The objective was to cultivate profound and transformative connections with fellow believers, establishing mutual responsibility that amplifies spiritual development. If you lack accountability in your life, it is imperative to seek it out. If unable to find an existing group, consider starting a new one! You can even take up the drums (I know it’s a silly pun)

This year, I plan to utilize my band meeting in a new way by sharing my short-term spiritual goals with my band. By doing this, I am creating a space for transparency and accountability and ensuring that someone other than myself is aware of my spiritual intentions and progress. Sharing my goals within my band allows me to receive support and encouragement from my fellow believers while also providing them with an opportunity to hold me accountable to my spiritual commitments.

Incorporate your goals into church life: One of the best ways to ensure that you accomplish your spiritual goals is to make them part of your church life. Seek Bible study groups, small groups, and volunteer programs aligning with your spiritual goals. For example, if you want to develop your prayer life, join a prayer group, or volunteer to serve in the prayer ministry. Our church recently did a 24/7 prayer room for one week. We desperately needed 168 people to cover the entire week. I am sure things like this are happening at your church, but you may need to look for them purposefully. When your goals are intertwined with your church life, it can help keep you accountable and support your community.

Celebrate your milestones: If you are anything like me, you greatly struggle with this.

As you progress towards your goals, celebrate and acknowledge your milestones. Celebrating your successes helps motivate you to continue striving towards your goals. You may even inspire someone else who is on their spiritual journey. Consider sharing your milestones with your accountability partner, small groups, or church leaders, and encourage them to celebrate with you. Be that person who shares the success not as a means of bragging but as a means of inspiring others to continue their journey.

Remember, setting spiritual goals is not just about achieving success for yourself but also an opportunity to inspire and encourage others to grow in their faith, all with an eye on bringing God glory.

Setting spiritual goals is essential to nurture your relationship with God and develop your faith. You can chart a meaningful growth plan that aligns with your needs by starting with an honest self-assessment, setting achievable and measurable goals, getting accountability partners, incorporating your goals into church life, and celebrating your milestones.

There is no day like today to start spending more time with Jesus.