3 Ways to Finish the Ministry Season Well

• Guest Author: Wendy Hammond, Executive Director at GEMS Girls' Club
• Posted: April 4, 2025

For many ministry leaders, spring marks the end of a season. Whether you lead a GEMS Girls’ Club, a Bible2School program, or another faith-based outreach, this time of year often brings a mix of emotions—gratitude for what God has done, exhaustion from the effort it took to get here, and anticipation for what’s next.

Before you rush into summer or start planning for the next season, we invite you to take a moment to pause. There is power in reflection, in acknowledging the ways God has moved, and in seeking His guidance before stepping forward again.

As you close out this ministry year, consider these three simple but impactful steps:

1. Celebrate What God Has Done

It’s easy to finish a year and immediately focus on what didn’t go as planned or what you wish had been different. But before you evaluate, celebrate. Scripture reminds us time and again of the importance of remembering and rejoicing in what God has done:

“I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.” — Psalm 77:11-12

Think about the students who have been impacted through your ministry this year. Celebrate the small and big wins—the conversations where a lightbulb moment happened, the moments of worship, the friendships that formed, and the times you saw God’s Spirit at work.

• Did a student make a decision for Christ this year? Praise God!
• Did a quiet girl begin to open up in discussions? That’s a win.
• Did you see a leader step into their role with confidence? That matters.
  

Every meeting, every scripture memory verse recited, every whispered prayer—all of it had purpose. God was at work, even in ways you may not have fully seen yet. Celebrate those moments and thank God for allowing you to be part of His work.

A practical way to do this: Gather your team and make a list of “God Moments” from this year. Share stories, laugh, maybe even shed a few tears of gratitude. Then, spend time in prayer thanking God for His faithfulness.

2. Reflect on What Went Right

Often, the first question we ask at the end of a season is: What do we need to fix? But what if we started with a different question: What went right?

This principle comes from a leadership approach called appreciative inquiry—the idea that by identifying and building on what is already working well, we can create lasting and meaningful impact. Instead of focusing solely on weaknesses, take time to name and celebrate strengths.

Consider these questions:

• What were the highlights of this ministry season?
• What activities or lessons had the most impact?
• What made this year life-giving for you and your team?
• Where did you see spiritual growth?
• What new ideas or approaches worked well?
  

By focusing on what was fruitful, you can build upon that foundation for next season. Maybe a new small-group format helped students engage in deeper conversations. Maybe a prayer practice strengthened your team’s unity. Maybe serving the community together deepened the girls’ faith.

Whatever those wins are, take time to name them. Doing so will not only encourage you, but it will also help you make strategic decisions for the future.

A practical way to do this: Have a reflection meeting with your team and ask each person to share their top three favorite moments from the year. Write them down and look for patterns—what worked well is worth repeating.

3. Pray Before You Plan

After a full season of ministry, it can be tempting to start planning for next year right away. But before diving into logistics, take time to seek the Lord. The best next step isn’t always the one that seems most obvious—it’s the one God is calling you to.

James 1:5 reminds us:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Ask yourself (and your team) these questions:

• Where is God calling us next season?
• Is He leading us to expand, refine, or shift our focus?
• Are there any areas of ministry that need renewal or rest?
  

Ministry isn’t just about what we do—it’s about where God is leading us. As you close out this season, make space for prayer. Don’t rush into decisions. Allow God to set the direction.

A practical way to do this: Set aside a personal prayer retreat or dedicated time as a team to seek God’s guidance. Spend time in Scripture, journal what you sense God is saying, and invite others to pray with you.

Looking Ahead with Faith

The end of a season is not the end of the story. It’s simply a turning point. By taking time to celebrate, reflect, and pray, you’ll step into the next season with clarity, confidence, and faith.

No matter what this year has looked like, remember: your faithfulness has mattered. The seeds planted this year may bloom in ways you won’t see immediately, but God is always at work.

Thank you for pouring into the next generation. Your obedience in leading, discipling, and loving these kids is a testimony to Christ’s love. And He will continue to do more than we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20).

So as this season winds down, look up—because God is still moving.