New Years Sermon Ideas: A Guide for Pastors
A New Year sermon can be one of the most powerful preaching opportunities for your congregation.
But what should you preach on?
Here are some powerful new years sermon ideas, sermon series, and tips for making this New Year the best one yet for your church!
New Year's Sermon Ideas
Here are some of the top New Year's sermon ideas to get you started:
1. Embracing a New Beginning
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:18-19
Cross References:
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 3:13-14
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Letting Go of Past Failures – Let go of past regrets and focus on what God is doing now.
- Recognizing God’s Work – Seeing the new things God is doing in your life.
- Moving Forward with Faith – Embrace the new opportunities ahead with a fresh perspective.
Example Illustration:
Encourage the congregation to take a moment and think of something from the past year that’s holding them back—whether it's a regret or a failure. Remind them of Isaiah 43:18-19, where God promises to do something new. Ask them to release those things to God in prayer and step forward with faith, trusting that He is making a way. Then, challenge them to think of one way they can embrace the new opportunities God is bringing into their lives this year, whether it’s a new commitment or a fresh perspective.
2. Things Above, Not Below
"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." - Colossians 3:1-2
Cross References:
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:33
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."- Philippians 4:8
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Shifting Our Focus – Moving away from earthly distractions to heavenly things.
- Living with Eternal Perspective – Understanding that our actions today should reflect our eternal values.
- Staying Anchored in Christ – Keeping our hearts and minds fixed on Jesus throughout the year.
Example Illustration:
Encourage your members to focus on the things of the Lord above all else this year. To focus on sharing the gospel, prayer, study, and growing in their relationship with God.
3. Remember, Repent, Repeat
" Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." - Revelation 2:5
Cross References:
"Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." - Acts 3:19
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us," - Hebrews 12:1
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Remember God’s Faithfulness – Reflecting on how God has worked in your life in the past.
- Repent and Refocus – Turning away from past mistakes and refocusing on God.
- Repetition of First Love – Returning to the initial passion for God and maintaining it in the year ahead.
Example Illustration:
Initiate a call of repentance, encouraging members to remember who they were before Christ, repent where they haven't been faithful, and repeat the works they did when they first got saved.
4. A Fresh Year, A New Heart
"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh." - Ezekiel 36:26
Cross References:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."- Romans 12:2
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- God’s Promise of Heart Change – Trusting that God can and will transform us.
- Renewing Your Mind – The importance of renewing our thoughts and attitudes.
- Living Out a Transformed Life – Applying the change God brings in practical ways.
Example Illustration:
Encourage your congregation to think of an overgrown, unattended garden. The soil may be hard and full of last year’s weeds, but with some work—turning the soil, planting fresh seeds, and watering it—the garden becomes ready for new growth. In the same way, God offers us a “new heart” turning over the hardened soil of our lives and planting fresh seeds of His love and purpose.
5. Living with Purpose in the New Year
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Cross References:
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." - Jeremiah 29:11
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." - Colossians 1:16-17
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Understanding God’s Purpose – Realizing that every day is part of God’s plan.
- Living with Intention – Setting spiritual goals and making decisions with purpose.
- Seeking God’s Will in Every Action – Understanding how we can walk in the good works God has prepared for us.
Example Illustration:
Remind the congregation that we are each called to bring purpose into our daily routines. Whether in our jobs, families, or communities, we can choose to live intentionally, asking God to show us how our everyday actions can fulfill the “good works” He has set before us.
Specific Topics for the New Year
Sometimes, church members may face particular challenges or circumstances as they enter the New Year. Here are some sermon topics that focus on these unique struggles, offering comfort, encouragement, and a biblical perspective:
1. Navigating the New Year Without Loved Ones
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." - Psalm 34:18
Cross References:
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." - Isaiah 41:10
"Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- God’s Presence in Grief – Emphasizing that God is near to the brokenhearted.
- Hope Beyond Loss – Trusting that God provides healing and strength in times of mourning.
- Finding Comfort in Community – Encouraging the church body to support those grieving.
2. Facing Uncertainty in the Future
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11
Cross References:
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- God’s Sovereignty Over Our Future – Trusting in God’s good and perfect plans.
- Overcoming Fear of the Unknown – Finding peace in God’s control over the unknown.
- Hope for What’s Ahead – Focusing on the future with anticipation for the good God has prepared.
3. Starting Fresh After Failure
"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. 19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:18-19
Cross References:
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 3:13-14
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Letting Go of Past Failures – Letting go of shame and embracing God’s forgiveness.
- Embracing the New Beginning – Recognizing the fresh start God gives us in Christ.
- Renewed Purpose – Living with a sense of newness and purpose in Christ. (He makes all things new!)
4. Rebuilding After Hardship
"Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." - Nehemiah 2:18
Cross References:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
"For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- God’s Hand in Rebuilding – Understanding that God strengthens us to rebuild after difficult times.
- Persevering in the Midst of Challenges – Encouraging faith to push through tough seasons.
- Hope in Restoration – God’s ability to restore what was lost and bring about something beautiful.
5. Finding Purpose in the New Year
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Cross References:
"For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: 17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." - Colossians 1:16-17
"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations." - Jeremiah 1:5
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- God’s Plan for Our Lives – Understanding our purpose is rooted in God’s design.
- Living with Intentionality – Focusing on aligning our actions with God’s call.
- Walking in Good Works – Embracing the opportunities God has prepared for us in the new year.
Sermon Series Ideas for the New Year
A sermon series can provide deeper exploration of themes that are relevant for the start of the year. These New Year's sermon series ideas can help guide your congregation over several weeks as they focus on spiritual growth, new beginnings, and God’s purpose for their lives.
1. "New Year, New Mindset"
Helping your congregation rethink their approach to the New Year, focusing on transformation through God’s Word.
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."- Romans 12:2
Cross References:
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."- Philippians 4:8
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- The Power of Transformation – How renewing your mind through Scripture leads to change.
- Aligning with God’s Will – Understanding how to discern and follow God’s plan.
- Living with a Christ-Centered Mindset – Focusing on things that honor God in every area of life.
2. "Living with Purpose in the New Year"
A series that explores how to live intentionally and with purpose in every area of life.
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10
Cross References:
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11
" A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." - Proverbs 16:9
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Understanding God’s Purpose for You – Recognizing your high calling.
- Making Every Day Count – Living each day intentionally, glorifying God in all things.
- Pursuing God’s Will – How to align your goals with God’s purpose.
3. "Navigating Life’s Seasons"
Addressing various life transitions and how to trust God in each season.
"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:" - Ecclesiastes 3:1
Cross References:
"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."- James 1:2-4
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Recognizing God’s Timing – Trusting that every season of life has a purpose.
- Trusting God in Life’s Transitions – How to maintain faith through changes.
- Finding Peace in the Process – Embracing God’s sovereignty in all circumstances.
4. "Hope for the Future"
A series designed to instill hope for the year ahead, based on God’s promises and faithfulness.
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. - Jeremiah 29:11
Cross References:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." - Romans 8:28
" Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"- Hebrews 10:23
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Hope in God’s Plans – Trusting in God’s promises for the future.
- Endurance in Waiting – How to wait with hope, knowing that God’s timing is perfect.
- Living in Anticipation – Preparing our hearts to experience the future God has for us.
5. "The Power of New Beginnings"
A sermon series focused on the newness that comes with Christ and how it changes our approach to life.
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Cross References:
"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 3:13-14
"Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." - Isaiah 43:19
What to Cover in This Sermon:
- Becoming a New Creation in Christ – Understanding how the gospel transforms our identity.
- Living with a Fresh Start – Embracing the opportunities a new beginning offers.
- Walking in God’s New Mercies – Experiencing the power of God’s grace each day.
Helpful Tips for Pastors: New Years Sermons
- Encourage Reflection – Help your congregation reflect on the past year and set spiritual goals for the year ahead.
- Offer Practical Application – Make sure your messages include tangible ways for people to apply the principles they hear.
- Focus on Hope and Renewal – Emphasize that the New Year offers a fresh start, and God is always at work in our lives.
Start the New Year Right with These Sermon Ideas
Here's to hoping these sermon ideas and series can energize your congregation, helping them dive into a purposeful life anchored in God's truth. As you plan for the year, think of each sermon as a chance to spark hope, inspire change, and invite everyone into a new beginning in Christ.
Let’s step boldly into the new year, ready to make it a year filled with faith, purpose, and God’s grace!