Believing BIG
As pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders, we begin filling calendars, preparing budgets, and planning ministry initiatives. Before asking, “What do I need to accomplish?” consider a deeper question: “What am I believing God for?”
Believing BIG is more than big goals; it can become statements of faith. They express our prayerful conviction that God is inviting us into something that requires His guidance, our obedience, and a willingness to grow. A faith goal says, “Lord, this is what I sense You calling me toward, and I am willing to take the next faithful step.”
Perhaps you are believing God for an expanded ministry, a new outreach, or leaders who will carry the mission forward. Perhaps your greatest faith goal is more personal: a healthier marriage, renewed joy, freedom from destructive patterns, or the courage to receive help. Some of the most significant breakthroughs happen where no congregation sees and no ministry report measures.
The size of a faith goal is sometimes measured by the surrender it requires.
Luke 2:52 describes Jesus growing in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and people. His example invites us to consider growth across our whole lives. Our vocational goals deserve attention alongside our physical health, spiritual formation, relationships, and financial stewardship. A growing ministry cannot substitute for a neglected soul.
It may help to consider both the goal and the motivation beneath it. Are we responding to a meaningful calling, or trying to quiet the fear that we are never enough? Ministry leaders can pursue worthy outcomes while carrying anxiety, perfectionism, or a need for approval. Prayerful reflection can help us recognize when ambition is being fueled by insecurity.
Ask yourself, “If I achieve this goal, what do I hope it will prove about me?” Your worth is already grounded in being loved by God. Goals become healthier when they flow from that security.
The QR codes will take you to the Faith Goals Worksheet, which offers five helpful characteristics: Focused, Attainable, Individual, Trackable, and Heartfelt. Together, they encourage us to give our hopes clear direction, identify our responsibility, and establish meaningful steps. We can believe God for outcomes beyond our control while setting goals around actions we can faithfully take.
For example, you might pray for healing in your marriage while committing to regular time together and seeking counseling. You might believe God for stronger leaders while intentionally mentoring two people throughout the year. Faith gives these commitments purpose; practical steps give them expression.
Hold your goals with conviction and humility. A deadline can guide your stewardship, but it cannot dictate God’s timing. An unexpected delay does not automatically indicate deficient faith. Remain teachable, welcome wise counsel, and allow the Lord to reshape your plans.
As you step into 2027, make room to listen before you begin to list. What is God stirring in your heart? Where is He inviting courageous obedience?
Use the Faith Goals Worksheets to prayerfully clarify your response. Let the coming year begin with a willing heart and a faithful step toward what you believe God is asking of you.
