As the New Year rolls in, many people focus on personal goals related to health, finances or career, but it is equally important to set goals that strengthen the family unit. Faith-based family goals can build a solid foundation for nurturing love, unity and spiritual growth within the home. Consider implementing some of the following Christ-centered goals as you lead your family into the New Year.
1. Prioritize Family Devotional Time
One of the most impactful ways families can grow together is by setting aside time for prayer, worship and Scripture reading. Whether it’s a daily devotion before meals or a weekly Bible study, developing a routine will deepen everyone’s relationship with God and with one another. Reading the Bible together not only nurtures faith, but it also serves as a guide for everyday life—helping families make wise decisions, build resilience in difficult times and grow in grace.
Sample Goals:
- Commit to a 15-minute family prayer time every night before bed.
- Set a goal to read one chapter of the Bible together each night or week.
- Challenge family members to memorize one verse each month.
By intentionally incorporating worship into your daily lives, you foster a sense of spiritual connection and draw closer to God together as a family.
2. Serve Others Together
Serving others is a core principle of Christianity, and it can also be a powerful way for families to bond. When parents serve with their kids, they not only help meet the needs of their community, but they also model selflessness and compassion to their children. This might look like volunteering at a local shelter, preparing meals for those in need or participating in community outreach events.
Sample Goal:
- Commit to serving at least once a month as a family—whether volunteering at a soup kitchen, organizing a community clean-up, visiting elderly members of your congregation or meeting some other need.
Serving together helps families focus on giving rather than receiving, teaching children the importance of kindness, empathy, and gratitude.
3. Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
Remembering to be grateful can have a significant impact on individuals and the family unit. Countless studies have linked gratitude to better health, with benefits like improved sleep, a stronger immune system, improved mood and even an extended lifespan! (Source) In the New Year, families can set a goal to focus on cultivating hearts of thankfulness, which is foundational to the Christian walk.
Sample Goals:
- Share one thing you are grateful for each day around the dinner table.
- Create a family gratitude journal, where each member writes a weekly entry about what they are thankful for.
A family that practices gratitude creates an atmosphere of peace, joy and love, encouraging family members to appreciate both the big and small blessings in life.
4. Set Spiritual Milestones for Children
As your children grow, setting spiritual milestones helps them develop a deeper understanding of their faith. This might include celebrating baptism anniversaries, preparing for communion or helping them memorize the Ten Commandments or other significant passages. Taking the time to recognize these milestones is a great way to encourage your children to take ownership of their spiritual journey.
Sample Goal:
- Work with your children to identify a spiritual milestone they can reach, like memorizing a set of Bible verses or participating in a church event like a Christmas play or VBS.
Milestones not only strengthen your child’s faith; they also create lasting memories and traditions that can shape their spiritual lives for years to come.
5. Create a Family Mission Statement
A family mission statement can provide a sense of purpose and direction for everyone in your home by clarifying your family’s values, priorities and goals for the year ahead. It can serve as a guidepost for decision-making and help each family member focus on what is truly important.
Sample Goal:
- Gather together as a family to write a mission statement that reflects your shared faith and values. It could include goals like being kind, serving others, loving each other and being obedient to Christ.
A family mission statement not only brings clarity and unity but also helps reinforce the importance of living out your faith in tangible ways.
Start Crafting Your Family Goals Today!
The New Year offers an opportunity to strengthen and enrich your family’s spiritual life. Setting Christ-centered family goals helps create a framework for growth, love and unity. Whether it’s through prayer, service, Scripture, or simply fostering a spirit of gratitude, the act of setting intentional goals for your family can deepen relationships, build a stronger foundation in faith and create lasting memories that will carry you through the year ahead.
A family retreat at The Inn could be a great way to kick things off! Explore the opportunities on our website and contact us to learn more.