Thinking about my September newsletter article, I realize I need to say thank you to all who
serve in our Dorton and Homestead churches. I firmly believe that God blesses those who try
their very best to serve Him in whatever capacity He has called. Over the nearly eight years we
have been here with you dear folks, I have never heard the statement which is addressed in the
following article. That, in and of itself speaks highly of you dear folks, because I think to some
extent, we all have this tendency to look back at the “good times” of the past. In reality, those
“good times” may have not been as good as our faulty memories would lead us to believe. With
all that said, I recently read a blog post written by Harold Vaughan, founder of Christ Life
Ministries in Vinton, Virginia. It reminded me about how nice it is to serve amongst a people who
want to work together and are not afraid to try new ways to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Giving credit, here is Rev. Vaughan’s post.
THE MOST DANGEROUS WORDS IN A CHURCH by Harold Vaughan
Every church has traditions. Some are rich with meaning and have served God’s people
faithfully for generations. There is nothing inherently wrong with tradition. In fact, many traditions
remind us of God’s faithfulness and connect us to those who have gone before us.
The danger arises when tradition becomes untouchable. What once helped the church fulfill its
mission can eventually become the very thing that hinders it. Methods that were once effective
are sometimes defended long after they have ceased to accomplish their purpose.
One phrase often reveals this mindset: “We’ve always done it this way.” Those six words can
quietly shut the door on fresh opportunities to reach people with the gospel. They elevate
familiarity above effectiveness and comfort above mission.
The New Testament church never confused methods with the message. The gospel never
changed, but the apostles continually adapted their approach to take that unchanging message
to new people and new places. Their commitment was to the mission Christ gave them, not to
preserving a preferred method.
Healthy churches ask different questions. They ask, “How can we more faithfully fulfill the Great
Commission?” They are willing to examine their traditions honestly, keeping those that
strengthen the mission and changing those that unnecessarily hinder it. Their goal is never
change for its own sake, but greater faithfulness to Christ.
Every church should occasionally evaluate itself. Are our traditions helping us reach people, or
have they become ends in themselves? Have we confused biblical conviction with personal
preference? Are we protecting what is familiar more than pursuing what is fruitful?
God never called His church to preserve a particular style or method. He called us to proclaim
the gospel, make disciples, and glorify Christ. The message must never change, but our
methods should always remain servants of that mission.
The most dangerous words in a church are not, “Things need to change.” They are, “We’ve
always done it this way.”