Renewing the Commitment to Spiritual Disciplines in 2025: Leading from the Overflow.

By WJ de Kock, ThD

Educational Consultant to Partners in Ministry

Professor of Practical Theology at Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University

The New Year is the ultimate reset button—a time to shake off the past, embrace fresh possibilities, and realign your priorities. For pastors, this isn't just about setting goals; it’s about reigniting the spiritual practices that sustain both their personal walk with God and their ministry. After all, how can you pour into others when your own spiritual cup is running on empty?

Let’s get reacquainted with the spiritual disciplines that not only anchor your faith but also breathe life into your pastoral calling. Because, as someone wisely said,

“The Bible should be trusted, not dusted.”

Often Ignored Truth About Leadership

Your inner life is the wellspring that nourishes your outer leadership. The truth is, the spiritual health of your ministry is inextricably linked to the condition of your own soul. If you're operating on mere fumes, that depletion and burnout will inevitably seep into every aspect of your work—from the delivery of your sermons to the quality of your relationships. Conversely, when your inner reservoir is full and replenished, that abundance overflows into every interaction, decision, and message you share. In the end, the state of your personal spiritual vitality is the wellspring of your ministry. If you want to lead your flock with wisdom and impact, you must first commit to leading yourself through the consistent cultivation of your own spiritual life.

Effective leadership starts with self-leadership. Before you shepherd others, take time to shepherd your own soul.

The Big Three: Essential Spiritual Disciplines

You don’t need a laundry list of practices to reignite your spiritual life—just a few powerful habits to reconnect with God. Let’s take a closer look:

1. Extended Prayer: The Art of Talking and Listening

If we’re honest, pastoral prayer can sometimes feel like a theological performance rather than a genuine encounter. It’s time to rediscover prayer as sacred dialogue. Carve out intentional time for unhurried, soul-baring conversations with God. Pour out your heart, but also practice the discipline of silence, making space to hear that still, small voice.

The most transformative ministry ideas often don’t emerge from the busyness of planning but from the quiet depths of prayer. So stop rushing through your prayers—linger, listen, and let God surprise you.

2. Scripture Meditation: Quality Over Quantity

Instead of speed-reading your way through chapters, try slowing down. Focus on short passages, letting them sink into your heart and mind. Meditate on a single verse or phrase, inviting the Holy Spirit to illuminate its meaning in your life.

This isn’t about checking off a reading plan—it’s about letting Scripture shape you from the inside out. Think of it as marinating in God’s Word rather than rushing through it.

3. Fasting: Spiritual Detox

Fasting isn’t just a "once-a-year" thing for Lent; it’s a powerful tool to recalibrate your focus on what truly matters. Whether you fast from food, social media, or other distractions, the act of self-denial creates space for deeper communion with God.

Fasting is like a spiritual detox—it clears out the noise and clutter, helping you regain perspective. Let it refocus your heart and reorder your priorities.

Finding the Rhythm: Spiritual Growth Without the Stress

Spiritual disciplines aren’t meant to feel like just another to-do list. The secret? Find rhythms that fit naturally into your life and energise you instead of overwhelming you. Here’s how:

•           Start Small and Stay Steady
Don’t overreach. A 10-minute daily prayer habit is better than setting yourself up for failure with grandiose plans. Consistency beats intensity every time.

•           Tie Practices to Your Daily Routine
Turn moments of “in-between” time into sacred space. Use your commute for prayer, your lunch break for Scripture meditation, or your evening wind-down for reflection. Spiritual growth doesn’t have to derail your schedule; it can flow with it.

•           Create Breathing Room
Action-packed days are the enemy of spiritual attentiveness. Build intentional margin into your week, whether that’s a proper Sabbath or micro-moments of stillness throughout the day. You’ll be amazed at what God can do in the quiet.

When Technology Becomes Your Spiritual Ally

Technology doesn’t have to be your enemy—it can actually help you stay committed to your disciplines. Here’s how to make your devices work for your spiritual growth instead of against it:

•           Bible Apps: Platforms like YouVersion and Logos offer everything from quick Scripture access to deep study tools.

•           Prayer Reminders: Apps like Echo Prayer and Abide prompt you to pray throughout the day, even when life gets busy.

•           Habit Trackers: Tools like Habitica or Streaks keep you motivated and consistent in your disciplines.

•           Meditation Guides: Apps like Pray As You Go or Lectio 365 offer beautiful guided meditations that make Scripture come alive.

Technology can be a distraction, but when used wisely, it becomes a bridge to deeper connection.

Don’t Do It Alone: The Power of Accountability

Even pastors need a safe space to be vulnerable. That’s where accountability partners or small groups of fellow pastors come in. These trusted companions can keep you grounded, provide encouragement, and help you stay consistent in your spiritual disciplines.

Sometimes, all it takes is a simple “How’s your soul?” from a friend to help you recalibrate and refocus. Spiritual growth thrives in community—don’t go it alone.

The Payoff: Ministry That Flows From Abundance

Reclaiming your spiritual disciplines isn’t just about self-improvement—it’s about multiplying your impact. When you lead from a place of spiritual abundance, your congregation feels it. Your authenticity inspires trust, your presence exudes peace, and your words carry weight.

2025 doesn’t need to be the year of doing more—it can be the year of being more: more connected to God, more present in your ministry, and more grounded in purpose. Let this fresh start be your invitation to dive deeper, not because you have to, but because God is inviting you into something rich and transformative.

So, pastors, take a moment to pause, breathe, and reset. Trust that as you renew your spiritual disciplines, God will renew you. And as He does, your ministry will overflow with the life, passion, and faith He’s planted in you.

Here’s to a year of leading from the overflow.