Reviewing our Calendars
In the fast-paced world of ministry, it’s easy to feel like you’re constantly racing from one urgent need to the next. The pressure to plan well and lead effectively often weighs heavily. What if we approached ministry with a more intentional, thoughtful pace in this next year—one that’s sustainable for us and deeply impactful for the communities we serve?
What could it look like to build a ministry that’s enduring, patient, and aligned with God’s purpose for our lives?
Planning With Purpose
The key to leading well in ministry is planning with intentionality. We don’t plan simply so that we can pack more events onto the calendar. Rather, it’s about slowing down to create a structure that allows for sustainable ministry—a rhythm that aligns with your priorities and gives you the freedom to adapt when necessary.
Sustainability in ministry starts with a simple but profound question: What matters most?
For us at The Forgotten Initiative (TFI), the answer is relationships. Everything we do is centered on building relationships—whether it’s with church leaders, volunteers, or foster care agency staff. We’re driven by a desire to love people well, and that guides every decision we make when it comes to our calendar.
When you’re clear on what matters most, you have a framework for making decisions. Without that clarity, it’s easy to add events and activities that create a lot of busyness without moving you toward your goal.
Setting a Path for Others to Join In
Once you’ve determined your core priorities, the next step is to set a path that invites others to be part of your ministry. Ministry doesn’t depend solely on you—it thrives when you engage the church. Liz touched on this beautifully in her talk yesterday about better reaching our churches and engaging them in foster care ministry.
Your passion for foster care may drive you to engage without needing much prompting, but the church doesn’t always have the same understanding or experience. That’s why planning ministry events that bring the church into meaningful contact with the foster care community is so vital. When people engage and serve, they are often transformed by the experience. And your ministry becomes the bridge God uses to stir hearts and foster deeper connections within the body of Christ.
Set a path for others to join in and experience the impact of foster care ministry.
Three Practical Steps for 2025 Ministry Planning
As we consider what 2025 holds, let’s get even more practical about what that looks like for our calendars. Here are three key ways to plan with intentionality and sustainability:
- Set Dates That Help You Get to Know People
The heart of ministry is relationships, and building those takes intentionality. Establish regular connections with your church and agency contacts. Maybe it’s a quarterly lunch with your agency contact or a monthly coffee with a volunteer or church leader. These dates don’t need to be big events—they are simply moments on the calendar reserved for deeper, one-on-one connections. These relationships will strengthen your ministry and keep it grounded in what matters most. - Set Dates That Align with the Capacity of Your ChurchesWhile it’s important to engage the church, it’s equally important to be mindful of their capacity. Every church moves at a different pace. Some may want to host monthly events, while others might only be able to manage a couple of larger events per year. Work with your church leaders to plan events that align with their schedules and abilities. This ensures that the church is fully invested in the ministry without feeling overwhelmed.
- Allow Space for Unexpected Needs
Flexibility is key in foster care ministry. While it’s important to plan ahead, you also need to leave room for the unexpected. Agencies often have urgent needs that arise, and you may be in a position to respond. However, if your calendar is packed with planned events, you won’t have the space to be adaptable. By building margin into your schedule, you allow yourself the freedom to say yes to those urgent needs without feeling stretched too thin.
When you plan with intentionality, it offers freedom. You don’t have to constantly question whether you’re doing enough or worry about missing important opportunities. You’ve already set the pace, and you can rest in knowing that your calendar reflects your priorities.
Planning doesn’t just give you control over your time—it creates space for meaningful engagement, both with your church and with the foster care community. It allows you to move forward with confidence, to slow down and listen, and to invite others into the work God has called you to do.
As we look ahead to 2025, remember that the goal isn’t to do more. It’s to be more intentional with the time and resources God has given you. And in doing so, you can lead a ministry that is not only impactful but also sustainable—for you, for your team, and for the people you serve.
So as you review your calendars, ask yourself:
What matters most?
How can I set a path that brings others into this work?
How can I leave space for God to move in unexpected ways?
By planning with purpose, you’ll be equipped to serve others in remarkable and ordinary ways—reflecting the love of Christ to a world in need.
Holly Gnuse
Holly grew up with a heart for adoption but didn’t know much about foster care. God used an internship with a child welfare agency to make her aware. Coupling that experience with knowing the joy of the Gospel, Holly is passionate about connecting the local church to the foster care community. Holly and her husband, Scott, were married in 2013 and are enjoying the crazy adventure of life together.
