New Year, Same Mission | LG Guide January 2026

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Jan 2

Leadership Thought:

A new year brings fresh energy, new rhythms, and new opportunities. But while the calendar changes, our mission stays the same. As Christians, we know that our purpose is to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

We must remain faithful to the long game of reaching the unreached, making disciples, and raising leaders. It’s not flashy. It’s the same old boring strokes. These are the rhythms that make disciples and advance God’s kingdom.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV)

Boring Strokes that Build the Kingdom

Here are three faithful, foundational rhythms to start the year strong:

1. Reach the Unreached

Recommit to connecting with, praying for, and following up on those you are reaching out to, especially if they came to Christmas services.

Set up times to connect about life and faith over coffee or a meal, or an activity. Encourage your small group to do the same.

It’s the same mission: find the one who’s far from God and walk with them into faith.

2. Make Disciples

Be an example by sticking to the basics of daily bible reading and prayer.

Consider walking your group through our discipleship classes, such as Growth Track, Discipleship Track, and Freedom Weekend in 2026.
Model what discipleship looks like: faithfulness, accountability, and growth.

3. Raise Leaders

Identify: Who’s leaning in, asking questions, showing up consistently?

Challenge: Invite potential leaders to take ownership of the group and to follow up with new people.

Empower: Give them opportunities to lead a cluster for discussion.

The future of your group is in the people already sitting in it.

What to Focus on This Month

Rebuild consistency. People naturally drift during the holidays. Call them back to consistency in group, service, serving, and evangelism.

Start clustering (groups of 3–4 for deeper conversation) to increase participation.

Set goals for 2026 that will lead to growth and multiplication of disciples, leaders, and groups.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

What’s one boring stroke that you need to stay faithful to this year, personally and as a small group?

Who in your group might be ready to take on more ownership or leadership?

What’s one prayerful step we can take to reach someone far from God this month?

How can your group better connect with non-Christians in 2026? What strategic shifts might need to happen?

PRAYER POINTS:

Pray for fresh boldness and renewed hearts to stay faithful to God and His mission in 2026.
Pray for open doors for discipleship and multiplication.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Join us as we seek the Lord together as a church family in our annual prayer and fasting “Seek Week” on January 27 - 29. For more information, visit www.pearlside.org/seekweek.

UPCOMING CLASSES:

Freedom Weekend: