Looking Back-Moving Forward

Written By Jason Tourville

Looking Back, Moving Forward

By Jason Tourville

As we step toward a new year of ministry, it’s important—not merely helpful—to pause. Pastors, missionaries, and spiritual leaders rarely lack activity. But what we often lack is holy attentiveness. Reflection is a spiritual discipline, and intentional goal-setting can become an act of worship when it is done in partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Before you and I rush into the opportunities of 2026, Scripture invites us to look back with gratitude, look inward with honesty, and look forward with faith.

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12

Wisdom grows where reflection is practiced. The Lord often reveals what’s ahead by first helping us understand what He has already been doing.

1. Looking Back at 2025:

Reflection is never a sterile review of events; it is a prayerful search for the fingerprints of the Spirit. As Pentecostal leaders, we affirm that the Holy Spirit not only empowers our ministry (Acts 1:8) but also interprets our experiences—showing us what was truly happening beneath the surface. Reflection is how we let Him talk.

Ask yourself:

  • Where did I sense the Lord’s presence most clearly this year?

  • Which moments stretched my faith?

  • Where did God prune, refine, or redirect me?

  • How did I see the fruit of the Spirit active in my life and ministry?

Jesus tells us that every branch that bears fruit is pruned so that it may bear more fruit (John 15:2). Sometimes the pruning came through joy. Sometimes it came through trial. Looking back helps us recognize His intentional work even when it was hidden at the time.

2. Listening in the Present:

Discerning the Lord’s voice for what’s next is one of the most important spiritual responsibilities for any leader. In a world full of noise, shepherds must learn again to hear the whisper of the Shepherd.

We believe that the Spirit is still speaking today. Not only does He speak through Scripture, but through: Conviction, Wisdom, Godly counsel, Prophetic impressions, Alignments and open doors, A sustained inner witness of peace

“Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says…” — Revelation 2:7

Hearing God requires space. Silence. Prayer. Slowing down long enough for the Spirit to surface what we may have ignored. As you prepare for 2026, invite the Spirit to highlight areas He desires to heal, strengthen, challenge, or redirect. The question is not whether God is speaking… He is. The question is: Are we listening with expectation?

3. Moving Forward:

As spiritual leaders, we don’t merely create goals; we receive them. God’s plans are discovered in prayer, confirmed in Scripture, and empowered by the Spirit.

To help you walk through this process, we’ve included a FAITH Goals document. It is a practical tool to guide your discernment and planning for the coming year. These goals invite you to dream with God and align your ministry direction with His voice.

As Pentecostals, we believe that planning does not diminish dependence on the Spirit. When done prayerfully, it expresses it. We plan because we believe God will move. We set goals because we expect God to empower what He initiates. The Spirit orders the steps of the one who delights in Him, and FAITH Goals help us walk those Spirit-directed steps with clarity and conviction.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

4. A Word of Encouragement for 2026

Ministry has always required courage, humility, and deep spiritual resilience. The challenges of 2025 were real, but so was God’s sustaining grace. The same Spirit who stood with you this year is going before you into the next. Pentecostal leaders carry a unique confidence: The Spirit is not only with us, He is in us and working through us.

As you reflect, discern, and prepare your FAITH goals, may you sense His presence afresh. May the voice of the Spirit become clearer. May His power rest upon you. To support you in your journey, we have asked others in our Network to contribute blog entries focused on your Personal Health and the Health of your Ministry.  We pray these will be an encouragement to you as you follow God’s leading in 2026. 

Jason Tourville

Jason brings a wealth of experience in counseling, coaching, and ministry. He works with adults and couples, helping them navigate life decisions, relational challenges, and personal adjustments.

With a B.A. in Biblical Studies from the University of Valley Forge and an M.A. in Counseling from Evangel University (Seminary), Jason integrates both clinical understanding and spiritual insight into his work. His clinical training includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Marriage Therapy, and EMDR Levels I & II. In addition, he is a trained Executive and Relational Coach.

Beyond the counseling room, Jason and his wife, are frequent speakers at Marriage and Family Seminars. He also serves as an Executive Coach, church consultant, and leadership development trainer, continuing his long-standing commitment to supporting healthy families, effective leaders, and thriving churches.

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