Chaplain’s Chat: 2026 is officially underway

2026 is officially underway, and with a new year often comes new plans for the months ahead. These plans are usually made with the best of intentions— improving our health, stewarding our resources well, or setting goals for work and ministry. Planning itself isn’t a problem, but it’s important to remember where our greatest impact is felt: with people.

Among those people are individuals who are often unseen, unheard, or forgotten by the
wider community. Beginning the year with them in mind reshapes how we think, how we plan, and how we serve. It reminds me of Paul’s words in Galatians 2:10: “Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” In the midst of significant ministry plans, Paul was called to remain attentive to those who were easily overlooked.

God sees every person with dignity and worth, especially the lonely, struggling, marginalised, tired, and discouraged. As we commit our plans to the Lord, we are also invited to share His heart for the vulnerable. This doesn’t replace strategic planning—it deepens it. Behind every strategy is a human story, someone made in the image of God and deeply loved by Him.

Stepping into the new year with this focus starts with listening. Whose voices have we not
heard? Whose needs are easy to miss? Taking time to understand the barriers people face allows us to respond with empathy rather than assumption. It also invites creativity, courage, and collaboration as we consider new ways to support those who have slipped through the cracks.

As we plan for the year ahead, may we be known not only for what we achieve, but for how we love.

REVEREND DAN LYONS, Director of Mission

Read more stories from Belong: Summer 2026 | Edition 40