XP Leadership Newsletter — January Edition

Starting 2026 with Clarity and Momentum

January brings a different kind of energy. The rush of year-end has passed, but the weight of new goals, fresh plans, and early realities is already setting in. For many executive pastors, the first month of the year reveals what’s working—and what simply followed you into the new year. Before the pace fully takes over, now is the perfect time to step back, reset, and make intentional changes that will shape the months ahead.

After nearly 300 one-on-one conversations with executive pastors this past year, here are three essential shifts I encourage every XP to consider as you lead with clarity in 2026:

1. Stop settling for outdated systems. Start implementing tools that serve the ministry you’re leading today.

Many churches are still using antiquated processes or accounting systems simply because “that’s what we’ve always done”—or because a long-time accountant insists on them. But your church is too important to remain trapped in 1995. And while you may not want to hear it, if your accountant is unwilling to adapt, it may be time to find one who will.

If your financial systems need a refresh, here are three recommended starting points:

• Accounting Software: QuickBooks Online. While there isn't a perfect system out there, we found QuickBooks online the best solution for churches because of user availability, connectivity with other tools, and their built-in services. Here's an eleven minute video where we talk through some of these items for churches.
• Credit Card System: Ramp. When using Ramp, users are able to instantly upload transactions, budget categories, and even notes related to the transactions. Gone are the days of chasing receipts at the end of the month. Apply here and get a $500 Ramp credit.
• Bill Pay: Ramp. The Ramp payables system allows you to set approval levels for invoices and check requests, set recurring payments to repeat vendors, and eliminates the need for you to write and mail physical checks from the church office. 

2. Stop drowning in data. Start focusing on the metrics that actually shape ministry.

More data doesn’t mean more insight. Track only what you will genuinely act on—especially core indicators like:

• New attendees
• New givers
• Discipleship next steps

 For your staff, pay attention to what truly fuels culture and mission:

• Stories of impact
• Creative ministry ideas
• Team members who go above and beyond
• Growing generosity—both personally and corporately

3. Stop expecting others to understand the XP seat. Start connecting with people who’ve lived it.

Unless someone has been an XP, they rarely understand the weight, complexity, and pace of the role. That’s why peer connection is essential.

Join a community that speaks your language. A great starting point is Tim Stevens’ Executive Pastor Cohort, a monthly gathering (with an optional annual in-person retreat) designed specifically for leaders in the second chair.

A Final Word for the Year Ahead

As you move through the first quarter of 2026, give yourself permission to let go of what’s no longer serving your ministry—and lean into the tools, rhythms, and relationships that will.

This year doesn’t require reinventing yourself.
It simply asks you to lead with focus, courage, and the freedom to do what matters most.

Small shifts now will shape the entire year ahead.

You don’t have to carry all of this alone.

If you’d value a second set of eyes on your systems, finances, or strategy for the year ahead, our team at Church Central Office would love to help.

Schedule a consult and let’s build clarity for 2026 together.