David Carvalho | Diocese of Fall River
Photo: Diocese of Fall River
When preparing for a new year in ministry and parish life, we dive into the busy rhythm of planning schedules, recruiting volunteers, preparing lessons, sending emails, and printing flyers. Whether you’re a youth minister, catechist, or parish coordinator, the hope is the same: to have a great year.
But what makes a year in ministry “great”?
Too often, success is measured by attendance, polished events, or completed curriculum. While these are good markers, they don’t always capture what truly matters. That’s why the most important step in planning any ministry year isn’t picking a theme or finalizing the calendar—it’s deciding where you want people to be at the end. In short, you must start with the end in mind.
What’s Your Real Goal?
Years ago, while working as a high school teacher, the author of the original reflection shared that their planning always began by asking: “Where do I want my students to be by the end of the year?” This clarity shaped every decision—what to teach, how to teach it, and why it mattered.
The same principle applies in ministry. If you don’t start with the end in mind, your year might be filled with well-executed events that don’t move people closer to Christ. It’s possible to create a fun, busy program that ultimately feels disjointed or fails to bear lasting spiritual fruit.
So what is the “end” we should have in mind? The ultimate goal of ministry isn’t to entertain, socialize, or even educate—it’s to evangelize.
As Pope St. Paul VI said, “Evangelization is the Church’s deepest identity.” Everything we do in ministry should serve this mission: to help people encounter Jesus, say yes to Him, and begin a lifelong journey of discipleship.
Evangelization: The Right End Goal
Evangelization isn’t simply sharing theological content or Church teachings—it’s inviting someone into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It’s not just about knowledge; it’s about transformation.
Too often, we default to teaching about Jesus instead of helping people meet Him. But without a real relationship, the information won’t stick. When someone says “yes” to Jesus and begins to care about that relationship, everything changes. They want to grow. They want to learn. They want to serve and belong to the Church.
People give of their time, talent, and treasure not because we asked—but because they’ve been spiritually fed.
If we want our ministries to be fruitful, we need to shift our focus from programs to people, from content to conversion.
One Disciple at a Time
Catholic author Everett Fritz poses a challenging thought experiment: What if your pastor asked you to stop doing everything in your current ministry role—and instead paid you double to focus on forming just one lifelong disciple of Jesus?
What would you do?
Most people, when reflecting on that question, instinctively move away from formal programs and toward relationship-building. They talk about praying with that person, getting to know their story, walking with them in daily life, and sharing their personal faith journey.
That’s the heart of ministry.
And if we’re honest, those elements are often sidelined when we’re preoccupied with managing events or pushing through a lesson plan.
This isn’t to say programs and education don’t matter—they absolutely do. But without first helping someone encounter Jesus, those things rarely take root. A tree needs strong roots before it can bear fruit.
Photo: Diocese of Fall River
Feeding People First
There’s a saying in ministry: “People don’t give until they feel fed.” Whether it’s giving their time, attention, or heart to Jesus, people need to first feel spiritually nourished and seen.
So ask yourself:
- How am I feeding the people I serve?
- Am I creating opportunities for real encounter with Christ?
- Do my lessons and events aim to grow disciples—or just fill time?
If you focus on spiritual nourishment, participation and growth will follow. People return to what feeds them. They stay where they feel known and where their faith is growing.
Practical Next Steps
If you want to begin your ministry year with the end in mind, here are a few practical tips to help you reframe your approach:
1. Define Your Discipleship Outcome
Ask: What does a lifelong disciple of Jesus look like in the context of your ministry? Identify a few key qualities—prayer, sacramental life, service, evangelization—and make these your guiding goals for the year.
2. Choose One Person
Pick one individual in your program, class, or group that you feel especially called to accompany deeply this year. What would it take to help that person become a disciple of Jesus? Let that question shape how you invest your time and energy.
3. Prioritize Relationships Over Tasks
Make space for personal connections—both with your teens or participants, and with volunteers and parents. Share your faith. Ask good questions. Listen. Relationships are the foundation of transformation.
4. Invite Encounter, Not Just Attendance
Build in opportunities for prayer, testimony, silence, and the sacraments. Don’t just teach about Jesus—create space where people can meet Him.
5. Evaluate Everything with the End in Mind
As you plan lessons, events, or meetings, ask: “Will this help people grow in relationship with Jesus?” If the answer is no—or unclear—it might be worth rethinking.
Begin With Purpose
Starting the year with clarity about your mission will shape every aspect of your ministry. It will help you say no to distractions and yes to what truly matters. And most importantly, it will help you accompany real people into deeper discipleship.
So as you gear up for the months ahead, ask yourself: Where do I want the people I serve to be at the end of this year? Start there—and walk with them toward that goal with purpose, prayer, and joy.
When we start with the end in mind—when we begin with Jesus—we’re far more likely to finish the year having truly changed lives.
Watch the video version of this article “Start with the End” at: https://www.youtube.com/@equipcatholics