As we round out 2025, everyone in church leadership is talking about what they want to build in 2026. A new system or team, possibly a new ministry strategy or a new approach to the old one. But there's one question that often goes unasked: "What needs to die?" Listen to more on this essential topic in today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode.
In the sphere of leadership within evangelical churches, there is an incessant emphasis on creativity, innovation, and building. However, the converse of this lopsided coin reveals an essential truth. If you keep building without pruning, fruitfulness turns into bloat. Echoing Jesus' teaching in John chapter 15, every fruitful branch needs pruning to bear even more fruit.
Pruning is not a punitive measure but wisdom. Indeed, one of the most courageous leadership moves isn't always launching something new. Instead, it may involve dismantling something that's outlived its fruitfulness.
Perhaps there's a ministry draining your team without multiplying impact, a tradition causing more harm than good, or a process eliciting sighs from your staff. It might even be a personal habit squandering your energy with no real return. Notably, it's easier to kick off something new than to quit something old. But while one leads to momentum, the other can cause mission drift.
As the new year approaches, consider what aspects of your ministry or rhythm need pruning. It could be daunting to consider the conversations or disappointments this might trigger, the temporary loss of momentum, or admitting something didn't work out.
However, leaders who can end well create more space for what God wants to do next. Killing the right thing at the right time is among the most underused spiritual disciplines in church leadership.
Your capacity to build in this upcoming year is directly tied to your courage to prune now. What you trim off this year might be what sets your whole team free. Reflect on what you're holding onto in ministry that might need to die this year, and confront any fears related to that decision.
Perhaps it's time to bring out your journal and write down one ministry area or personal habit that needs evaluation in the new year. Moreover, find the courage to prune it if it's no longer bearing fruit.
For more insights on this topic, tune in to today's Healthy Church Staff Podcast episode. Let's step into the new year with the courage to prune for growth.