The new year is often full of hope and expectation. It’s a natural time to refocus after the holiday season and to reimagine what God may want to do in our churches, our ministries, and in our personal walk with Him.
For those serving in ministry—whether as church volunteers, staff members, or leaders—the temptation can be to rush into the year with new programs, goals, or improvements. But one of the most powerful things we can do first is to pause and seek God’s direction.
This article offers a devotional-style reflection with Bible verses for January centered on seeking God’s direction. You’ll also find practical ministry encouragement, a sample prayer for guidance, and a link to a free printable Bible reading plan designed to help you and your team begin the year with purpose.
Why Seeking God’s Direction Matters in Ministry
In ministry, it’s easy to assume that what worked last year will work again—or that our plans, skills, or experience will be enough. But God calls us to a deeper place of dependence. As Proverbs reminds us:
Proverbs 3:5–6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Sometimes our goals and priorities can be based on bigger numbers, our own comfort or preferences, or our pride. But it’s not about doing what you want or doing more; it’s about doing what God is calling you to do.
This applies to:
- Volunteers choosing where to serve this year
- Ministry directors planning programs or schedules
- Pastors preparing sermon series or new initiatives
- Administrative teams making important decisions
God doesn’t leave us to figure it out alone. He invites us to ask Him for wisdom.
Key Bible Verses for Seeking God’s Direction in Ministry
Here are several Bible verses that provide both inspiration and guidance for starting the year with a heart attuned to God’s leading. These are ideal for team devotions, ministry meetings, or personal study.
James 1:5
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Encourage your team: before setting goals, ask God for wisdom. Hold a short prayer time during your January team meetings where everyone asks God for clarity and guidance.
Psalm 25:4–5
“Show me your ways, LORD. Teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. I wait for you all day long.”
Ministry leaders often operate with urgency. This verse reminds us to create space for prayer and reflection. Maybe that looks like a few minutes of silence during your next planning session, or journaling time during staff devotions.
Isaiah 30:21
“Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”
The Israelites repeatedly rebelled in the Old Testament, prompting the Lord to send the prophet Isaiah, urging them to return. God promised wisdom and guidance to those who trusted Him.
We can be encouraged by this example, and stop to listen for God’s guidance. He will show us the way!
Use this verse as a theme during volunteer orientation or leadership retreats this month. Encourage your team to expect God’s direction as they walk forward in faith.
Psalm 32:8
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
This is a beautiful reminder for anyone feeling uncertain or overwhelmed. God doesn’t just send instructions—He lovingly walks with us as we obey.
Practical Ways Church Teams Can Seek God’s Direction Together
Whether you serve as a pastor, ministry leader, or volunteer, here are 3 intentional steps you can take this January to pursue God’s direction as a team.
1. Begin Meetings with a Prayer for Guidance
Start ministry meetings in January with a simple prayer like the one below. Let it set the tone for seeking God together:
Prayer for Ministry Teams Seeking God’s Direction
Lord, thank You for the opportunity to serve You this year. We don’t want to lean on our own understanding. Please guide our steps, clarify our decisions, and give us unity as we serve. Show us what You want to do through our church and our team. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
2. Use a Bible Reading Plan with Your Team
Encourage your volunteers or ministry staff to read Scripture together this month using a theme-based Bible reading plan.
We’ve created a 31-Day Printable Bible Reading Plan for January (or any other month of the year) called “Seeking God’s Direction.” It includes 1–3 Bible verses per day plus weekly reflection questions—perfect for personal devotion or team discussion.
We also have a printable Bible Study and Reflection sheet about seeking God’s direction. Here are the 4 questions.
- What does it practically look like to “trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5–6) in your day-to-day life?
- Psalm 32:8 says God will counsel us with His “loving eye.” How does remembering God’s love for you change the way you approach decisions?
- In what ways has God’s Word corrected or redirected you recently (2 Timothy 3:16–17)?
- What areas of your life do you need God’s direction in right now? Write a short prayer asking Him for wisdom, clarity, and the courage to follow where He leads.
If you want the expanded version of this download, check out the version that also includes more design variations on the reading plan, a Bible journaling worksheet, a prayer log, and a notes page, available in our Etsy store.
3. Schedule a Time of Group Reflection
As January progresses, set aside time to reflect with your team:
- What has God shown us so far this year?
- Are we truly following His lead—or just doing what we’ve always done?
- What decisions need more prayer and wisdom?
This can be done informally over coffee, or intentionally in a retreat or team workshop format.
Final Encouragement: Be Led by God, Not Just Busy for God
One of the greatest temptations in church work is to be busy for God without being led by God. Busyness without divine direction can lead to burnout, conflict, and missed opportunities.
This January, choose a better path: seek Him first. Teach your volunteers, staff, and leaders to pause, pray, and pursue His wisdom. When we do that, we’re not only more effective—we’re also more aligned with God’s heart for His people.
If you’d like to help your team go deeper, don’t forget to download and share the free printable January Bible reading plan.
Free Printable: Bible Verses for January – Seeking God’s Direction
If you liked Bible Verses on Seeking God’s Direction, you may also like Prayer for Church Leaders Prayer for Church Growth and Development, and Prayer Points for the New Year.