Hope for the New Year 

By Crystal Mazzuca 

Merriam Webster defines hope as a “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment.” In our kid-friendly Hyfi definition, we say hope is “trust that something good will happen.” 

As you look forward to 2026, what hope do you have for your ministry? Do you hope to see kids engage with the Bible, discover amazing truths about God, and build community with each other? Do you hope for families to get involved, get connected, and find a sense of belonging? Do you hope to see volunteers who are passionately and faithfully serving, teaching, leading, and caring? 

Before you make plans, fill your calendars, and charge ahead into the new year, it is helpful to pause and anchor your hope in God. 

Celebrate the Past 

When you look back at the past year or two in ministry, what stands out to you? You may not want to remember the hard, stressful, and unpleasant moments. Rather than avoid thinking about those things, take time to appreciate the lessons you learned. Be encouraged when you look at what God has done and the way He has worked. 

Psalm 77:11-12 says: 

I will remember the Lord’s works; 
yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. 
I will reflect on all you have done 
and meditate on your actions. 

Take time to reflect on the truth that your ministry is God’s ministry, and He has done incredible things. This helps you ground your hope in God rather than people, programs, or even your own efforts.  

Be Thankful in the Present 

As you start a new year in ministry, take a minute and thank God for what He is doing right now. Thank Him for the opportunity to pour into the next generation. Thank Him for the families He’s brought to your church. Thank Him for the volunteers who share their time, talents, and treasures as they serve.  

First Thessalonians 5:18 says, “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 

Whether you are beginning your year on a high note, a low note, or anywhere in between, you can be thankful. God is with you, He loves you, and He is so pleased that you are working to grow His kingdom. 

Look Forward to the Future 

Learning lessons from and celebrating the past combined with an attitude of gratitude for the present sets you up to look forward to the future with hope. This is the perfect time to dream big! What new thing is God moving you to try? Where can you lean in, let go, adjust, or improve? Who can you invest in or invite to be a part of what you are doing? 

Remember that, just as your ministry is God’s ministry, this year is God’s year. You are not leading alone. You are a part of something big. 

As you start 2026, cling to the words of Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”