This is a hectic time for everyone but it’s also a critical time to pause for a little self-evaluation. Each year I do exactly that and I’d like to invite you to join me in this process.

Saying goodbye to a year is a really important thing.

It’s important that we take time to look back over what we’ve learned over the previous year to ask ourselves some difficult questions, to capture those lessons from this year and make sure we carry those into the next year.

Some people don’t grow in wisdom every year, they just grow in numerical age.

The truth is as pastors, we ask people questions, but rarely does somebody ask us a question, at least a question for reflection. They may ask us about theology or something that’s going on in the church, but who really pastors you?

Part of my calling, part of my carrying out the ministry that God has given me, is that I get to pastor you from time‑to‑time.

I want to put on my pastor hat. I want to pastor you, and ask you how you’re doing. In doing so, I follow in a great tradition. Jesus, Himself, was a person of questions. In fact, when somebody would ask Jesus a question, He would often flip it, and in turn ask them a question. Jesus had a way of asking questions that just cut to the core.

For example His question, “What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul?” Isn’t that a great question? It reminds me of something I learned one time from Francis Bacon the Philosopher.

Francis Bacon said, “A prudent question is one half of wisdom.” I suppose a prudent answer is the other half. By asking yourself these questions, and making sure that you’re on track for the end of this year and into the coming year, you’re going to grow in wisdom.

Here are some questions you should ask yourself to evaluate your spiritual and intellectual health as we approach 2014:

• Am I closer to God today than January 1?
• What’s my spiritual growth process for 2014?
• Have I scheduled my Sabbaths for January? All of 2014?
• How am I growing as a leader?
• What are my reading goals for 2014?
• What conferences and seminars will I attend in 2014?

I hope this has been helpful to you.

Your partner in ministry,

Nelson

P.S.  There is still time to take advantage of my ‘Merry Christmas’ Gift Certificate for 50% OFF (up to $250.00 value!) on any one of my resources in the CLI store!  Jump start your growth and make 2014 the best year yet!

To get your 50% OFF Gift Certificate right now, all you need to do is complete this 6-Question, 45-Second Survey, by THIS Friday, January 3rd:

Click Here to Get Your Gift Certificate ASAP

(oh, if you’d rather not use the gift certificate, I’d still appreciate your feedback on the survey – just click the link above)

Hope this adds value to you and your church in 2014!

© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.