Over the years it’s been interesting to watch my kids’ Christmas lists change. When they were little, it was all about toys and picture books—things you could grab off a shelf. Now that they’re older, their lists look more like digital shopping carts: streaming subscriptions, downloads, and gifts that don’t require batteries or assembly.
This is the time of year when kids are dreaming big and writing down wishes—and it always makes me wonder: If someone in ministry wrote a Christmas list, what would be on it?
I’m willing to bet a larger budget would make the cut. Maybe even a pay bump. Most of us wouldn’t say no to a few more volunteers. And I know my “White Whale” would be dedicated youth space—something that doesn’t require a full set-up and tear-down every week but simply needs maintenance.
That’s mine. I’d love to hear yours. You can share them using the form HERE, and I’ll pull together what people say in a future post.
But as we inch closer not only to Christmas but also to a brand-new year, there are a few things that deserve a spot on your ministry wish list—things that can’t be delivered by Santa but can absolutely shape the year ahead.
It’s cliché, yes—but necessary. Goals give structure to your ministry. They keep you from drifting into busyness because they anchor you to purpose and vision. If you want to know whether your ministry is thriving or stalling out, start by naming the mile markers.
If you don’t know where to begin, try using S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Sensitive). Write them down. Share them with your team or a trusted colleague. Identify the steps you’ll take to make them happen.
For example, if one of your wishes is stronger small group consistency, a S.M.A.R.T. goal might look like:
“Recruit and train six new small group leaders by March so every group has two adults.”
If you succeed, celebrate. If you fall short, learn from it and adjust. Goals help turn your wishes into a direction—not just a dream.
Very few leaders enter ministry because they’re passionate about budgets or fundraising. Yet both are part of the work. Paid or volunteer, you can’t lead a ministry without knowing what it costs.
And here’s why you should start thinking about this now: most parish fiscal years begin in July. Starting early gives you time to plan well and present a thoughtful proposal to your pastor or business manager. If they say no, it’s not a failure—it’s the beginning of a conversation about priorities and resources.
A budget proposal helps you understand what your ministry truly requires. It helps you avoid being blindsided by expenses and lets you pace out fundraisers, materials, and program costs in a manageable way.
If budgeting isn’t your strength, bring in someone who has that experience—an accountant, a parish business owner, or even a financially minded parent. Invite student leaders into the process too; it gives them insight into how ministry actually works behind the scenes.
Instead of viewing volunteers as a number to fill (“We need four more small group leaders”), think of them as investments. Who are the two, three, or four individuals you want to intentionally develop over the next year?
Some may be teenagers. Others may be current volunteers, parents, or parishioners with potential. Think about the skills, habits, and experiences you want to help them grow into. Then plan your investment:
Bring them to a conference
Enroll them in a workshop
Read a book together
Give them more responsibility—with proper coaching
Be clear about what the investment means for you and what it should mean for them. And remember: not every investment produces immediate fruit. But intentional investment builds a ministry culture rooted in stewardship—not control.
As you prepare for Christmas and look toward the coming year, don’t be afraid to name the things you hope for. Write your list. Check it twice. Then turn those wishes into goals, plans, and intentional investments.
And if you’re not sure where to start, M2GO has templates, guides, and training resources designed to make ministry just a little bit easier—so your wishes don’t stay wishes. LEARN MORE ABOUT M2GO HERE