It's the start of a new year and thoughts turn to eating better, getting more organized, or even reconnecting with old friends. But within your New Year's resolutions, are you considering the health of your church?
The following are five ways you can work to strengthen your church and to better serve your congregation and community.
1. Be the example. The country is feeling divisive and disjointed and it is the church's responsibility to show love, compassion and empathy. Don't be afraid to set the tone for your congregation.
2. Start a cancer care ministry. The unfortunate statistic is that one in two men and one in three women will be touched with cancer during their lifetime. By being equipped to minister to those people and their families, you will offer hope and a compassion understood by very few.
3. Become embedded in your community. Many churches open their doors to those in the community for dinners, events and, of course, worship services. But are you leaving your church doors? Get out and serve the community where they are instead of expecting them to come to you. Volunteer at a community festival, clean up a struggling neighborhood and offer free sports camps at the local park, but be willing to reach them where they live, no strings attached.
4. Put an emphasis on small groups. Attending church services on a weekly basis is good for the soul. But strengthening the connection with God and with like-minded people in your congregation builds both the church and the community through fellowship and deep, personal relationships.
5. Don't forget the forgotten. Most churches focus on families since that represents the majority of its congregants. But in your ministry, don't ignore the young college student, the widower or the single mother whose children have just left the nest. There are more challenges within your walls than you may recognize.
For more information on starting a cancer care ministry, visit ourjourneyofhope.com. 
Rev. Percy McCray is director of Spiritual/Faith-Based Programs at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and has been a fully ordained minister for more than 20 years.
Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.
Dr. Mark Rutland's
National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)
The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!
FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.
Do you feel stuck? Do you feel like you’re not growing? Do you need help from an expert in leadership? There is no other leadership training like the NICL. Gain the leadership skills and confidence you need to lead your church, business or ministry. Get ready to accomplish all of your God-given dreams. CLICK HERE for NICL training dates and details.The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.
