Evaluation Family Questions to Ask at the End of the Year

As the end of the year draws near, it's a perfect time for families to take time to reflect and look back on all that’s been accomplished and all that God has done in your lives. A family that reflects together, grows and connects together. Whether you’re sitting around the dinner table, cozying up for a family meeting, or just enjoying quality time, the end of the year offers a great opportunity to celebrate all that has happened, and set intentions for the year to come.

These 5 family questions to ask will open doors for connection, transparency and a clearer understanding of where your family is at and where they want to go in the coming year ahead:

Gratitude and Blessings: How Has God Blessed You This Year?

Reflecting on the blessings and answered prayers of the past year is a powerful way to start your family reflection. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided. This practice of thankfulness can help you acknowledge the moments from this past year where God led you in your clear mission and value as a family. 

Get the conversation rolling with a question such as: “What are 3 things we’re most thankful for this year, and how have we seen God at work through those moments?”

Scripture in Connection:
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." – 1 Chronicles 16:34
"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." – James 1:17

Challenges and Growth: How Have You Overcome Hardships?

Every year comes with its own set of challenges, but how your family responds to adversity is where growth happens. Reflecting on difficult moments is a chance to acknowledge God’s faithfulness in times of trial, as well as your own growth in character. 

Use this reflection question to check in with everyone: “What was one challenge we faced this year, and how did we see God help us through it?”

Scripture in Connection:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." – James 1:2-3
"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." – Psalm 34:18

Family Foundation: How Have You Become Stronger as a Family?

To build a firm foundation for your family is the heart of creating a lasting legacy. When you focus as a unit on how to move in a direction of both reflection and strength, it allows everyone the space to love one another well. The values, mission, and vision you have designed for your family will then become a byproduct of your strength as a group. 

Ask your family to consider the following prompt: “What’s one moment this year when we truly felt united as a family, and how can we create more of those moments in the coming year?” 

Scripture in Connection:
"But the greatest of these is love." – 1 Corinthians 13:13
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." – Ephesians 4:2

Spiritual Growth: How Have You Grown Closer to God?

Here are some family questions to ask to evaluate your spiritual growth as a family: 

• Did you spend more time in prayer together? 
• Did you grow in your understanding of God’s Word? 

Reflecting on your spiritual journey encourages everyone to continue pursuing Christ in the new year. 

Your family’s reflection question for this topic is: “How have we seen our faith grow this year as a family, and how can we encourage each other to keep growing spiritually in the next year?”

Scripture in Connection:
"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." – Joshua 24:15
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom." – Colossians 3:16

Family Vision: What Goals Do You Have for the Coming Year?

After reflecting on the past, it’s important to set your sights on the future. What does God have in store for your family in the coming year? Are there new goals, dreams, or areas of growth that you want to pursue together as you live out your mission and vision? These are all vital family questions to ask. 

Ask each member of your family this: “What are some goals or dreams we have as a family for the next year, and how can we rely on God to help us achieve them?”

Scripture in Connection:
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." – Jeremiah 29:11
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans." – Proverbs 16:3

Making Reflection a Tradition for Your Family

As you work through these family questions to ask, remember that reflection is not just an activity for the end of the year, but a practice that can become a staple for your family culture throughout the year. Consider making these reflection moments a quarterly or even monthly to-do on your family agenda.

Incorporating these family questions to ask isn’t just about looking back; it’s about moving forward with intentionality and trust as you think generationally. May the reflection process not only bring your family closer but also deepen your faith and reliance on God’s direction as you step into a new year. 

Additionally, practice these tips in our communication skills guide to ensure that your reflections and conversations as a family are beneficial for everyone involved.