Reflecting and Celebrating the Good within Your Church and all the Life Change God’s Been Making

As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to move full speed ahead into what’s next—planning Christmas services, setting goals, organizing calendars and dreaming about the year to come. But before you do, pause. Look around. Reflect. There’s so much to celebrate.

Church leaders, ministry teams, volunteers, communicators … you’ve shown up faithfully this year. You’ve prayed, planned, pivoted, served and loved your people well. And whether your church grew in numbers, deepened in community, reached new families or simply stayed steady in a difficult season – those are all wins worth celebrating.

Why Celebration Matters

Celebration isn’t just a feel-good moment. It’s an act of gratitude and worship. When we take time to celebrate, we’re recognizing God’s hand in every detail and giving Him glory for what He’s done through His people.

“Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me.”

Isaiah 46:9-12

At Fishhook, we often say “You cultivate what you celebrate.” And there is so much good to celebrate! We know that the more we celebrate the good … God’s faithfulness, people’s growth, small victories, answered prayers … the more we nurture a culture of joy, encouragement and hope. 

Celebration reminds our teams that what we do matters. It builds momentum. And it helps us keep our eyes fixed on the One who makes all things possible.

What to Celebrate

  • Team Wins: Did your communications team try something new that connected with your congregation? Did your volunteers go above and beyond? Celebrate it!
  • Church Wins: Maybe you baptized new believers, launched a ministry, or strengthened community partnerships. Pause to give thanks together.
  • Personal Wins: Encourage staff and volunteers to reflect on what God’s done in their own lives this year—spiritual growth, family milestones or renewed purpose.

Each of these moments is a reflection of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your community.

A Challenge for You

As this year comes to a close – and as you plan for the year ahead – ask yourself these three questions:

  1. How are you celebrating this year?
  2. What ways can you prioritize recognizing the good and giving glory to God?
  3. How can you cultivate more good in the future by celebrating what’s good right here and now?

Let’s be the type of people who pause, give thanks and celebrate. Because when we do, we’re not just honoring what’s happened ... we’re preparing our hearts for all that the Lord has in store!