As each new year dawns, many Americans make resolutions, hoping to improve their lives. According to a recent survey by Statista, the most common are: saving more money (21%), eating healthier (19%), exercising more (17%), losing weight (15%), spending more time with family and friends (14%) and quitting smoking (9%).
How many actually stick with their resolutions? According to a Forbes Health survey, only 8% of respondents keep their goals for the entire year. The average person’s New Year’s resolutions last fewer than four months.
While Christians approach the new year with similar resolutions, many take a different perspective. According to a recent Lifeway Research survey, 29% of U.S. adult Christians also made goals for spiritual renewal, seeking to grow closer to God in the new year. For those who attended worship services four or more times a month, that figure rose to 48%.
These statistics highlight a universal truth: as the new year begins, people long for fresh starts and meaningful life changes. While many resolutions focus on physical health, finances and relationships, Christian families have the unique opportunity to seek a transformation that goes deeper — one that centers on spiritual growth and biblical habits that can reshape their homes and families.
Rather than striving for temporary goals that may fade by spring, believers can aim for lasting change rooted in God’s Word. This new year, Christian families can refocus on faith and nurture habits that will not only strengthen their connection to each other but also deepen their walk with the Lord.
Some practical suggestions:
Family prayer time: Set aside a specific time each day to pray together, whether in the morning, before meals or at bedtime. Pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9–13) together, pray individual sentence prayers or ask a different family member to pray each day. Prayer need not be complicated, but simple and prayed from the heart. Pray for extended family, friends, neighbors, church ministers and members, missionaries, the poor and hungry, etc. Praying as a family brings a sense of unity as it builds a more intimate relationship with God (1 Thess. 5:16–18).
Study Scripture together: Choose a devotional guide or Bible reading plan that works with your family’s schedule. Set a consistent time to read and discuss God’s Word together, explaining the meaning to younger family members. Making Scripture part of everyday life strengthens family bonds and keeps Christ at the center (2 Tim. 3:16–17).
Family worship time: Include worship in your daily routine by playing uplifting Christian music, singing hymns or pausing in the midst of everyday activities to thank God for His love, care and provision. Allow worship to become a natural part of your family’s rhythm, reminding them of God’s presence throughout each day (John 4:24).
Serving others: Engage in activities that minister to others — volunteering at a food bank, visiting nursing homes or participating in church outreach programs. These not only help those in need but instill values of compassion, gratitude and selflessness in both children and adults (1 Peter 4:10).
Families today often struggle with busy schedules. Coming together on a daily basis for prayer, Scripture study, worship and serving others can prove challenging. To help overcome these obstacles, start with small, manageable goals, like a five-minute prayer time or a single Bible verse reading and brief discussion. Even with small steps these biblical habits will take root, bear fruit and help grow a family’s faith.
How the church can help
Host family workshops: Seminars can teach parents how to pray as a family, study God’s Word together and involve family members in church service and outreach opportunities.
Create occasions for family recreation: Create events that bring parents and children together to enjoy each other and have fun together within or outside the church building. Celebrate the seasons with themed retreats, picnics, games, etc.
Offer devotional resources: Provide families with easy-to-follow Bible reading plans, age-appropriate devotions or tips for leading family Scripture study and prayer. These can be coordinated with church emphases, various seasons or a sermon series.
Encourage worship: Share ideas for incorporating worship into a family’s daily life. Make worship family-oriented at church, offering elements like interactive children’s messages, family-friendly worship songs or opportunities for families to serve together during the service to engage all ages and encourage shared participation.
Promote family service: Create and organize church-hosted service opportunities in the church and community. Invite church families to serve together to help meet the needs of others.
True spiritual transformation begins not with external resolutions, but with a heart rooted in Christ. By embracing biblical habits as families, we invite God’s presence to shape our homes into places of grace, love and purpose. Together, as a church and community, we can encourage one another to grow in faith, follow God’s will and trust that He will use even our small steps of obedience to create lasting, eternal impact.
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