December in kidmin can be hectic! We’re planning for Christmas services, special songs, parties, programs, and so much more. On top of that, you still have your normal Sundays, your team, your family, and your own heart to care for.

It’s easy to slide into January exhausted and thinking, “We survived!” But God has more for us than survival at the end of the year. December can actually be a powerful time to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with what He’s been doing all along.

If you want to end the year spiritually awake instead of wiped out, here are some simple questions that can help.

Where did I see God move this year?
If you’re like most leaders, your brain probably runs straight to, “What needs to be fixed?” That kind of evaluation isn’t wrong, but it’s not always the best starting point. When we begin with what’s broken, we might miss what God actually did.

Instead, ask: Where did I see God move this year?

Think about the kid who finally opened up after months, or the parent who told you, “My child can’t wait to come to church now.” Think about the volunteer who grew from “I’m just helping” to “I can lead.” Think about the Sundays when the presence of God was so tangible.

Take a minute to scroll through your photos from the year. Celebrate the salvations, the baptisms, the deep moments, the silly moments. Those aren’t just “things that happened”. They’re evidence of God moving.

When you name those stories, you’re reminding yourself that this isn’t just your ministry to manage. It’s God’s ministry, and you’ve been called to partner with Him.

What (or who) felt heavy this year, and why?
Every ministry year has things that just feel heavy. Maybe it was a class that never felt settled or a system that constantly broke. Maybe it was a relationship that stayed tense no matter how hard you tried. Maybe it was that one area of Sunday that you dreaded every single week.

Instead of ignoring that heaviness or assuming “this is just how it is,” ask yourself: What felt heavy and why?

Sometimes the “why” points to a system issue. Maybe volunteers are confused because the process isn’t clear. Maybe you’re doing an event that drains your team more than it disciples your kids. Sometimes the heaviness reveals a leadership gap. You might be trying to carry something alone that wasn’t meant to be a one-person job.

Other times, the heaviness is emotional and spiritual. You might realize, “I’ve been carrying a lot of quiet grief,” or “That situation shook my confidence.” Bringing those things into the light with the Lord is important! It’s part of growing as leaders.

Where is God stretching me for next year?
We need to ask forward-looking questions, too.

So, ask: Where is God stretching me for next year?

As you sit with Him, you might sense a nudge in specific areas. Maybe He’s stretching you to multiply leaders. Maybe He’s stirring your heart for deeper family discipleship, not just bigger events. Maybe you feel a pull toward more room for response time in your services, even if it means adjusting your schedule or structure.

Think about your own growth as a leader. Is God asking you to grow in communication? In pastoral care? In trusting Him with things you can’t control? You don’t need a list of ten goals. Start with one or two clear areas where you sense His invitation, and lean into those.

This question can also sound like, “Where is God stretching our team?” Maybe it’s time to clarify expectations so our hearts are aligned.
The point is that you don’t have to drift into next year. You can step into it intentionally, partnering with what God is already highlighting.

Who needs encouragement from me before the year ends?
One more simple question. Who needs encouragement from me before December ends?

Let names come to mind. Don’t overthink it. Maybe it’s the faithful volunteer who never asks for recognition. Maybe it’s a new leader who took a risk this year. Maybe it’s a parent who stepped out in faith in a big way.

Send the text! Write the note! Hand someone their favorite drink on Sunday and tell them specifically what you see in them. Encouragement is not fluff in ministry. It reminds people that their “yes” mattered this year.

You don’t have to end the year on autopilot. Take some time with Jesus, even if it’s just an hour with a notebook, and walk through these questions. Close out another year of ministry with gratitude, clarity, and encouragement for what’s ahead!

Alysia Gonzales is the Executive Pastor of Ministries at Harvest Church in CA. She oversees kids ministries to ensure the church's culture is consistently maintained at each campus. Her desire is to empower kidmin leaders to lead with purpose and passion, and to see the next generation raised up ready to influence the church and the world with the power and love of Jesus.