🎯 Word of the Year 2027: Transforming Your Personal & Ministry Growth

In our latest staff meeting, Pastor Chris shared a powerful message on moving into 2027 with intentionality—both personally and ministerially.

Traditionally, we've set compartmentalized goals across different areas of life (heart, mind, soul, and strength), which often leads to losing momentum if we slip up in just one area. A Word of the Year changes everything by acting as a single, unifying thread that filters through every goal, target, and habit.

Pastor Chris highlighted three reasons why a single word is a game-changer:

👉It keeps you Simple: Funnels all of your energy and effort into one defined direction.

👉It keeps you Streamlined: Aligns your books, podcasts, scripture study, and habits so they all fuel each other.

👉It keeps you Steady: Prevents the feeling of failure; momentum in one area naturally transfers to another because everything is connected.

🛠️ How to Use the "Vision Tool Box" Document

Pastor Chris introduced the Vision Tool Box (a framework borrowed from Pastor Joel) to guide us through this process. This tool isn't about rushing to find a word; it requires reflection on 2026 and projection into 2027.

⚙️The Process: The document guides you through 8 key questions (e.g., What do I need more or less of? What drained me? What would someone who knows me well say I need most?).

🔎Finding Your Theme: As you answer, look for recurring themes, overlapping patterns, or words that connect your reflections and projections.

🗣️Activating Your Word: Once you and the Holy Spirit land on your word, use it to curate your scriptures, book lists, prayers, and daily habits for the upcoming year.

🗓️ Why the October 13th Deadline Matters

We are asking everyone to submit their Word of the Year by Sunday, October 13th.

While it might seem early, Pastor Chris explained the strategic timing:

🤯Beat "Holiday Brain": Once Thanksgiving arrives, holiday season distractions take over, and deep reflective planning becomes difficult.

📝Plan Your Runway: Finalizing your word in October gives you the final 2.5 months of 2026 to intentionally build out your 2027 schedule, select your reading list, and align your devotions. You’ll step into the new year with a clear, pre-established plan rather than trying to figure it out on January 1st.

Take some quiet time, dive into the Vision Tool Box, and let's prepare to step into 2027 with incredible focus and expectation!