A Letter to My Fellow Pastors and Church Leaders

Hey Pastors and Church Leaders,

You’re probably catching this on your phone somewhere between staff meetings and sermon prep, stuck in that odd space where Christmas worship is still echoing, but your 2025 calendar won’t stop shouting at you. That coffee warming your hand? Yeah, I know it’s at least your third today. While your church members are all posting about their fresh starts and fitness goals, you’re tucked away in your study, wondering if the gift of multiplication might suddenly become your spiritual gift just in time for January.

Nobody mentions this season in seminary, do they? That twilight zone where the rest of the world is soaking in their holiday rest, but you’re already mapping out Q1 and praying about where to take the youth group this summer. Your phone says December 30, but your brain’s juggling next Sunday’s message with that board meeting you’ve got coming up.

Let’s Get Real for a Minute

But hold on. Before you open another tab or check another email, I need you to hear something that could flip your whole perspective on its head: You’re still here. After the Christmas productions, the year-end pushes, the unexpected staff changes, those midnight pastoral calls – you’re standing.

And here’s the thing: it’s not just because you’re resilient (though you absolutely are). It’s because God’s faithfulness doesn’t come with an expiration date.

When You Look Back at Those Moments

Remember last year? Those times when you sat in your car after a tough meeting thinking, “I have no idea how we’re going to navigate this one”?

But here’s the truth: You did. Or better yet – He did. And spoiler alert: He’s not finished.

The Story’s Still Being Written

Listen, as you step into 2025, I need you to grasp this truth: Your best ministry moments aren’t in the rearview mirror. They’re not locked in that powerful service from 2024 or that incredible retreat from last fall.

God is still crafting your story and your church’s story, and He’s pretty good at plot twists.

Pastors – Before You Dive into Planning Mode

Yeah, I see you with those goals and that vision board you’re thinking about creating (don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone). That’s awesome. But before you jump in, just take a moment.

Look up. Remember whose idea this whole thing was in the first place.

Your Real 2025 Strategy

Here’s the deal: This year isn’t about leveling up your leadership or chasing bigger metrics. It’s about making space for God to be God in your ministry. Sometimes, that looks like dreaming bigger; other times, it means getting quiet enough to catch His whisper.

You’ve got this, friend. Not because you’re amazing (though you are), but because He’s faithful.

Now go ahead – grab that fourth coffee. We both know it’s calling your name.

Walking with you,

Jeff H.

Quick PS (Because You Need to Hear This)

Remember that whole Sabbath thing you preach about? Yeah… maybe 2025 is the year you actually take yours. Just saying. Because burnout isn’t a spiritual gift. I know you’ve got a thousand reasons why this week isn’t the right time, and next week is too busy, and the week after that has that big event. Trust me, I get it. But here’s what I’ve learned the hard way: The kingdom of God will somehow manage to keep spinning even when you take a day off.

Mind-blowing, right?

Your family misses you, your soul needs it, and honestly, your congregation will benefit from a pastor who’s actually living out what they’re preaching about rest. 😉