A New Year, A Renewed Focus

As a new year begins, many sermons and writings remind us of fresh starts, new mercies, and renewed hope, and rightly so. Rather than attempting to touch every encouraging truth that accompanies a new year, I want to offer one simple but meaningful question: What is your focus this year?

We often speak about goals, plans, and tasks to accomplish. Those are important and even necessary. Yet I have found myself dwelling on something deeper, not just what we intend to do, but what our hearts are truly focused on. Another way to ask it might be this: Where is your heart’s focus?

At the start of each year, I often challenge our pastors to take time to refocus. After the holidays, many of us feel tired, scattered, and somehow both full and drained at the same time. This season invites us to pause and realign our hearts with what God has called us to do and what He has placed within us. When we refocus on that calling, clarity returns, and passion begins to fuel the work ahead.

As you look toward 2026, I encourage you to refocus on God’s calling in your life, family, and ministry. Work faithfully toward that purpose, allowing the passion He has given you to guide and sustain you.

May 2026 be a year of God’s fruitful season in each of your lives, families, and ministries. And may we, as a state church family, go deeper in living out our shared calling, to unite to Christ, equip others for their purpose, and serve Christ in order to impact our communities, our regions, and the entire state of Virginia for the glory of God alone.