Honoring the Legacy in Church Revitalization
Church Revitalization can go well or poorly, depending on how a revitalizer handles certain aspects. One crucial piece is transition. How do we go from what was/is to what can be? Many mistakes are made when we ignore the people and things that have come before. We are not the hero of any situation we are called to – Jesus is. Pastors revitalizing churches can transition with strength, support, and energy if they honor the legacy of what has been. I want to equip you with four encouragements that will help you build upon all God has done and see a fruitful transition in your context.
Listen to the Legacy
It's the job of the revitalizer to practice active listening. Asking good, open-ended questions will show that you care and are willing to work with everyone. This is an essential way to build trust and hear people's hearts. They will tell you the things they get excited about, worry about, or dreams they have. This may take time, and I encourage leaders to make good notes. Take notes in front of the people you are listening to – this shows you care. Another counsel is to ask everyone these same questions. Don’t just listen to those you like or immediately connect with. A pastor should be concerned with discipling everyone not just those that agree with him. Build up emotional trust and equity by humbly listening to all.
Learn from the Legacy
Take time to process the history and impact of your church. I encourage the revitalizer to process these things alone and then with others. Processing allows the Holy Spirit to speak into your humble posture and use all the stories you’ve gathered.
Often this is where pastors fail. They will attend a conference, listen to a podcast, or read a book and be inspired. Then, in the silo of their thoughts, they will get caught in a cycle of trial and error never landing on what needs to happen. With a humble heart and mind centered on Christ – the Holy Spirit can give perfect clarity. Once a pastor has processed the past, he can join others in thinking about the future. If this process is followed, the results will be mutual ownership and stronger ideas. Together the pastor and people can refresh old ideas, try new ones, and avoid mistakes.
Lift-up the Legacy
In a day when history is forgotten, changed, or ignored, remembering how God has worked in and through your church can be motivating. Find ways to regularly tie what you're doing or would like to do to past achievements or values. Create moments to celebrate past wins and let them be an inspiration for you, your team, and the people. You can make a history room, have a special banquet, or use past stories in messages. Get creative and use others’ input on ways to lift the rich history of God's work. What gets celebrated gets replicated.
Lay a New Work on the Legacy
The key is to build upon God's rich work at your church. Highlighting similar endeavors or fruit, it’s important to tie new things to the old. This helps people feel heard and excites them with fresh vision and direction. Building on the legacy will create momentum for what can be. Often, the ones you worry about can become your biggest supporters. Don't stay in the past but honor the past. A revitalization can’t rest on past achievements, but they can be a springboard for future ministry. I would caution pastors not to ridicule past leaders or mistakes but rather boost what was right. People invest and work towards a growing vision, not one that constantly complains or cries victim.
No matter the past successes or failures God can do what He does best in any situation. It’s not the resources, location, or people – it’s all about God working through a humble leader who is willing to humbly hustle with others. Honoring the legacy of God’s work at your church is a critical way to build a unified and fruitful future.
Logan Loveday serves as Church Revitalization Catalyst at the BCNE and is the pastor at First Baptist Church Marlborough.