Episode 46: Beyond The Resolution: Setting Ministry Goals With Grace

Beyond The Resolution: Setting Ministry Goals With GraceSummary: In this episode of the Youth Ministry Soul Keeper Podcast, hosts James and Todd kick off the new year by tackling a topic every youth leader faces: New Year's resolutions and goal-setting. Moving beyond the typical resolution hype, they dive into what it means to set meaningful ministry goals rooted in grace rather than guilt. The hosts share personal stories about their own struggles with resolutions and explore why so many well-intentioned goals fall apart by February.The conversation centers on a crucial truth: your identity as a youth leader isn't found in your successes or failures, but in who you are in Christ. James and Todd emphasize the importance of soul care, sustainable habits, and building authentic relationships in ministry. They challenge listeners to shift from program-focused thinking to people-centered ministry, reminding youth leaders that grace isn't just something we extend to students—it's something we desperately need ourselves. Throughout the episode, the hosts offer practical encouragement for setting goals that actually matter: prioritizing relationships with students and parents, creating sustainable rhythms of ministry, and learning to embrace restoration when we inevitably fall short. This is an honest, grace-filled conversation that will leave you refreshed and ready to approach the new year with renewed perspective.Takeaways:New Year's resolutions often fail because they're disconnected from grace — goals without grace become a slippery slope to guilt and burnout.Your identity isn't tied to your success or failure — you are defined by who you are in Christ, not by what you accomplish in ministry.There's always restoration after the resolution — failure isn't final; God's grace meets us when we fall short.People over program should be your primary ministry goal — relationships matter more than perfectly executed events and curriculum.Lean toward being "annoying" with parent communication — over-communication with parents is better than under-communication.Soul care isn't optional for sustainable ministry — you can't pour from an empty cup; prioritize your own spiritual health.Build habits, not just goals — sustainable change comes from consistent, grace-filled practices rather than grand resolutions.Grace is Jesus' message to you — the same grace you extend to students is the grace Christ extends to you as a leader.Relationships are the foundation of effective youth ministry — invest in people, not just programs, for lasting kingdom impact.Show Notes:ADAM KEEHN FOUNDATIONhttps://adamkeehnfoundation.com/Connect With The Show:Webpage - https://ymsoulkeeper.carrd.coFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088943467640&sk=followersInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ymsoulkeeper/Youtube (watch pod vids here) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIqvY3ftXO8-8poUuRYUZ8wTwitter - https://twitter.com/YMSoulKeeperConnect with James:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jamessabin13/ / https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/Instagram EDGE Students - https://www.instagram.com/edgestudentministries/Youtube EDGE Students - https://www.youtube.com/@MinistryEDGEYouthConnect with Todd:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/toddpearageInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/toddpearage/Twitter - https://twitter.com/toddpearageWe would love to hear from you with questions and comments at the following email: [e-mail] Out Coleader and plan your next month of ministry in just one click - https://www.coleader.coSign-up for Coleader here: https://share.coleader.co/SikZuk/joinGet help with the weekly grind with the help of Download Youth Ministry here - https://www.downloadyouthministry.comYouth Leader Summit Conferences: https://www.youthleadersummit.com/Connect with Guest Co-Host - Eben EddyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebeneddy/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/eben.eddy