Leading Through the Seasons of Ministry, Part 4: Spring — The Season of Deepening and Growth
In ministry, spring often gets overshadowed by the momentum of fall and the anticipation of summer. But in nature — and in the church — spring is when you begin to see signs of life again.
The seeds that were planted in the fall… the roots that grew deep in the quiet of winter… now they begin to sprout.
Spring is the season for deepening. It’s not just about doing more. It’s about helping your people grow deeper in their walk with Jesus and more engaged in the mission of the church.
When Growth Starts to Show
You’ve probably felt it: attendance ticks up a bit. Engagement begins to stir. There’s a renewed energy in the room. And it’s not just because Easter is around the corner — it’s something spiritual, too.
People start asking questions again. They start responding to invitations. They begin to hunger for something more than just showing up.
This is a key moment. Don’t let it slip by.
Deepening, Not Just Expanding
It’s tempting in spring to start sprinting again — to see the signs of life and immediately start adding.
But spring isn’t about expansion as much as it’s about cultivation.
Think like a gardener: you don’t yank the plant out of the ground to check for progress. You keep watering, you gently guide, you prepare the soil for sustained health.
This is the season to:
Reinforce your discipleship pathway. Help people take a clear step forward, not just float in the system.
Teach and model spiritual practices. Prayer, Scripture, fasting, generosity — this is a great season to go back to the basics and go deep.
Identify budding leaders. Who’s growing? Who’s asking good questions? Who might be ready to lead or multiply? These are great people to invest in over the spring in and summer as you think toward the fall!
Leaning Into Spiritual Hunger
The truth is, after a long winter — both literally and spiritually — people are often ready for something more. They may not even be able to name it, but there's a hunger under the surface.
Don’t just entertain that hunger — equip it.
Use this season to:
Launch a spiritual formation focus.
Lead a short-term group through something foundational.
Offer spiritual coaching or mentoring.
Preach with an eye toward identity, maturity, and mission.
People are more open than you think — but they need a guide, not just another option.
Let Spring Prepare You for the Harvest
Spring is also a set-up season. The real harvest comes later — but what you do now shapes what that harvest will be.
This is the time to:
Prepare teams.
Strengthen leaders.
Reinforce culture.
Clarify direction for the summer and fall ahead.
Because if you build wisely in the spring, you won’t scramble when the next wave hits — you’ll be ready to receive it.
A Final Word: Don’t Mistake the Subtle for the Small
Spring’s growth isn’t always loud. It’s often subtle. But that doesn’t make it small.
The Holy Spirit does deep work in this season — forming hearts, stirring hunger, and raising up the next generation of leaders.
Your role as a pastor or ministry leader isn’t to make things grow — it’s to cultivate the environment where growth can thrive.
So watch carefully. Water faithfully. And lean into this season of deepening with the full confidence that God is already at work.