Dear Small Church Pastor,
I had occasion recently to attend a Christmas worship service in the church house where I officiated my first funeral message. One of my uncles passed, and I was asked by the family to present his eulogy and the funeral message.
The building was erected in the late 1800’s. You can see the footprints and handprints of its builders in the rough-sawn planks that cover the ceiling, walls and floor. It was the same church house and cemetery where my maternal grandparents were laid to rest, as well as my mother and all her siblings. Numerous cousins and extended family members either had their funerals there or had been interred in that cemetery. You could say my family has deep roots in the place. (No pun intended.)
Sometimes a small church pastor is sent by God to such a location as the one I just described. As the pastor begins ministry in that congregation, the heritage of the congregation can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. Many congregations have great histories. Revivals of the past, record missions offerings and long-established spiritual traditions all reflect the heritages of many small congregations. However, the memories of those past events can become a two-sided coin that impedes the progress of a congregation’s spiritual growth. The memories can become the focus of the people, who long to see those memories come to life again. And their focus on the past can slow their movement into the future.
A small church pastor should tread patiently and carefully when it comes to the heritage of a congregation. Trying to deal with any aspect of a congregation’s heritage that may be hindering their spiritual growth is tricky business that requires much prayer and discernment from God.
The pastor should learn as much as possible about the history and traditions that exist in a congregation. Some things will be pleasant memories that are casually discussed and some things will be so ingrained in the congregation that they are considered as absolutes to their operation and will be expected to be held in extremely high regard, almost to the point of idolatry.
Examples: A congregation in a neighboring county accepted the use of a computer and projector for singing without much opposition because they enjoyed being able to worship without having to hold a book when they wanted to clap along with a song or raise their hands as they worshipped. I also know of a congregation that would wait until a particular member would quietly raise a hand and start to weep before anyone else would express any reaction to an inspiring sermon. Their comments about this included a statement that the individual knew when God’s spirit was moving and no one wanted to “get ahead of that person” during worship.
Once the pastor has learned about the history and traditions, prayerfully consider what has been learned to determine if anything is standing in the way of the congregation getting closer to following Jesus. If there is anything, then slowly, graciously and lovingly broach the subject after asking the leadership to help you pray about something. Remember to bathe every decision in prayer, seeking the guidance and timing of the Holy Spirit when dealing with anything such as this. As with any change, speak to your leadership before speaking to the general congregation. Be sure the leaders are willing to make any adaption to a tradition.
Keep in mind that those folks who are the backbone of the congregation have much time, money and effort in the history of the congregation. They are the ones who probably did the cooking, painting, sweeping, repairing, singing, praying and witnessing that were integral parts of any heritage they have. And if they were not the ones, their parents and grandparents were. They have family ties to their past, in all likelihood. Remember how thick blood is.
Those parts of the heritage that are blessings and points of encouragement should be celebrated when the occasion arises. You might remind the current members how their ancestors would pray earnestly for revival and encourage them to do the same. You could point out how growth in numbers usually came after those prayers were coupled with community-wide evangelistic outreaches that they could do themselves. Honestly admit to the people when the traditions are helpful and point out how they bring people closer to Jesus and encourage them in their faith.
You might have a heritage, with its traditions, in your own family. Remember how much that means to you. A congregation feels the same way about its heritage and traditions. The local congregation’s past can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for your people. Seek God’s guidance and anointing as you approach the reality of having to patiently deal with the good side and the unfortunate side of any local heritage. As I mentioned in Letter #27, remember your source, especially when you deal with a congregation’s heritage.
Sincerely,
A Small Church Pastor