Looking Back, Moving Forward

Reflecting on a year brimming with unexpected twists and triumphs, I invite you to pause with me, Todd Rhoades, as we journey through 2024's unique path of ministry. What if you could turn your biggest challenges into stepping stones for growth and gratitude? It's time to explore how the past year's cultural shifts and personal victories can illuminate our path forward in ministry. Grab a journal as we uncover the lessons hidden within our biggest wins and the grace found amidst the trials. Let’s celebrate the moments that tested our faith and strengthened our resolve, reminding ourselves of the purpose God has in store for us.

Join the conversation on the Healthy Church Staff Podcast, where we focus on the power of reflection as a community-building tool. As we prepare for a new year, consider the milestones, challenges, and blessings of 2024 that have shaped your journey. I’m here to encourage you to not only jot down these reflections but also to share them with your team or even directly with me at podcast@chemistrystaffing.com. Let’s connect, uplift one another, and look ahead with renewed faith and enthusiasm. And don’t miss out on my special New Year's message, crafted to inspire and unite us as we step into 2025 together.

Have questions or comments? Send to podcast@chemistrystaffing.com

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:08

Hi there, welcome to the Healthy Church Staff Podcast. My name is Todd Rhodes, one of the co-founders over at Chemistry Staffing, and we are officially almost to the new year, and while it's tempting just to go full charge, full steam ahead, I think it's always valuable at least it is for me to take a moment and look back before we move forward. And today we're going to reflect on this past year and celebrate our wins and maybe learn from some of our challenges Now. I know that reflection might not be the first thing on your mind right now. You've probably got budgets to finalize, programs to plan, maybe even a leaky roof to deal with.

Speaker 1: 0:48

You know the joys of church facilities, but trust me, taking some time to intentionally look back on 2024 could be an incredibly beneficial thing to do, both personally and professionally. It's a chance to acknowledge how far you've come. It's a chance to celebrate some victories've come. It's a chance to celebrate some victories, both big and small, and to glean some wisdom from the challenges that you faced. It's not just about individual reflection. It's about an opportunity to celebrate the collective achievements of your team and your church as a whole. How do we make the most of this reflection time? Here are three things I'd love for you to consider. First of all, just think about what were. How do we make the most of this reflection time? Here are three things I'd love for you to consider. First of all, just think about what were your biggest wins this past year. This could be anything from reaching a new attendance milestone to successfully navigating a difficult transition. Could be just simply making it through another year of ministry with your sanity intact. But what were your biggest wins this past year? Reflect on those. Write them down. Secondly, what challenges did you face and, more importantly, what did you learn from them? How did those challenges shape you and strengthen your faith or deepen your understanding of ministry? Number two, what challenges did you face? And number three, reflect on this. What are you most grateful for going into this new year? What are you most grateful for? Take some time to appreciate the people and the resources and the opportunities that have supported you on your journey.

Speaker 1: 2:21

Man, as I look back at 2024, can we talk? We lived through quite a year, a very historic year in many ways, a very unexpected year in many ways. A lot of news, a lot of cultural shifts and change that used to take decades for change like that to happen have happened in the past year or even the past months. It's just a crazy time to be alive. It's a crazy time to serve the church as well. It's a great time. I can't think of a better time to be serving the church. People need Jesus so much and God has placed you right where you are today for a very specific time, at this specific time in history. So here's your challenge for today Grab a journal, a piece of paper, whatever, your phone, whatever.

Speaker 1: 3:17

Spend some time reflecting on these questions. Again the questions what were your biggest wins, what were your biggest challenges and what are you most grateful for? And, if you're feeling brave, share some of those reflections with your team. If you don't want to share them with your team, you'd like to share them with me? Reach out to me podcastchemistrystaffingcom. I'd love to hear your answers to those three questions and how God worked in your life this week. But it can be a powerful way to connect and encourage one another and to build a strong sense of community. But I always get sentimental and retrospective the last week of the year. Maybe you're not like me, but I think it is always good. What were your biggest wins? What were your biggest challenges? What are you most grateful for? Think about those today and tomorrow. Join me it's New Year's Day and I will be here with a special New Year's message right here on the Healthy Church Staff Podcast. Hope you'll join us. You.