Simplify to Multiply: 5 Things Your Church Should Stop Doing This Year

How Letting Go Creates Space for Greater Kingdom Impact

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” — Hebrews 12:1 (NIV)

As small churches look ahead to a new year, there’s a temptation to ask, “What else should we add?”A new program. A new ministry. A new event. A new strategy.

But often the real breakthrough doesn’t come from adding anything at all.

It comes from subtracting.

One of the most important steps toward revitalization is learning to identify what no longer serves the mission—and courageously letting it go. When a church simplifies, it multiplies its ability to do what matters most: make disciples of Jesus Christ.

This year, give yourself permission to release what drains energy, distracts focus, or no longer bears fruit. Here are five key areas to evaluate—and, if necessary, lovingly retire.

1. Stop Doing Ministries That No Longer Reflect Your Mission

Every church has a few ministries that once thrived but no longer connect with the realities of today.

But because “we’ve always done it,” they stay on the calendar.

Ask:

• Does this ministry help us fulfill our One Excellent Mission?

• Would we start this ministry today if it didn’t already exist?

• Is it bearing fruit… or just keeping us busy?

Remember: A church that tries to do everything ends up doing nothing well.

2. Stop Planning Events That Exhaust Your Volunteers

Small churches often rely on the same faithful handful of people.

A calendar full of events may look active, but it can quietly push your best volunteers toward burnout.

Instead of asking, “How many events can we host?” ask:

“Which few events give us the greatest opportunity to build relationships and make disciples?”

Less stress. More connection. Greater impact.

3. Stop Holding Meetings That Don’t Move the Mission Forward

If your leadership team spends most of its time reviewing reports rather than planning discipleship… it’s time to simplify.

Move reports to email.

Free the meeting for mission. If you want to learn more about how to do this see my article from Nov. 24th

Focus on prayer, spiritual discernment, and one clarifying question:

“How does this help us make disciples?”

Simpler meetings. Stronger leadership.

4. Stop Maintaining Ministries That Depend on the Same Two People Every Week

When a ministry is fully dependent on one or two individuals, it may not be sustainable.

A ministry without a team has become a burden, not a blessing.

God does not call His church to operate on the shoulders of the willing few.

Healthy ministry shares responsibility—and if it can’t, it may need to rest for a season.

5. Stop Ignoring the Frustration You Feel in Your Spirit

Pastors and leaders often sense when something is no longer working.

But fear of conflict or disappointing long-time members keeps them from making needed changes.

Remember this truth:

Pruning is biblical.

Jesus said that the Father cuts off what no longer bears fruit and prunes what does—so that it will bear even more.

Letting go is not failure. It’s faithful stewardship.

How to Simplify This Year: 7 Action Steps

1. Hold a “Mission Alignment Review”

Gather leaders and ask:

• “What are we doing that perfectly aligns with our mission?”

• “What are we doing that distracts from it?”

• “What would we start—or stop—if we had no history to consider?”

2. Create a Two-Column Ministry Map

Label columns:

• Thriving & Mission-Driven

• Stagnant or Misaligned

Everything your church does goes into one of these two buckets. Discuss honestly.

3. Take One Month to Evaluate Each Ministry

Look at:

• Fruitfulness

• Participation

• Volunteer load

• Alignment with mission

• Impact on discipleship

4. Celebrate Ministries That Had Their Season

When retiring a ministry, honor the people who invested in it.

Share stories, express gratitude, and celebrate the fruit that was produced.

5. Communicate Clearly and Compassionately

Explain why something is ending:

• It no longer fits our mission

• We want to steward our energy well

• We’re creating space for new disciple-making opportunities

6. Redirect Energy Toward What Matters Most

Use the margin you create for:

• Hospitality

• Discipleship relationships

• Outreach

• Prayer

• Community connection

7. Embrace the Freedom of Focus

When your church does fewer things—but does them well—momentum grows. Unity deepens. And disciple-making becomes your culture, not just your slogan.

The Year to Run Your Race Well

As Hebrews 12 reminds us, running the race God has marked out for us requires throwing off what hinders, not carrying more.

This year, choose focus over frenzy. Clarity over clutter. Mission over maintenance.

Simplify to multiply—and watch God do more with less than you ever imagined.

Before You Go… Let’s Keep Growing Together

If this article encouraged you, I’d love to continue the conversation. Every week I share practical, hope-filled resources to help pastors and small churches thrive in their mission—and I don’t want you to miss any of it.

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Let’s pursue renewal together—one mission-driven step at a time.