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Moving Forward: Breaking Free from Nostalgia in Ministry

A friend of mine often says, “When we have more memories than dreams, we’re in trouble.” It’s a phrase I love because it challenges us to focus on the future rather than getting stuck in the past. This is especially relevant for ministries, where the pull of tradition, nostalgia, or “the way things have always been” can unintentionally stifle innovation and growth.

In my work coaching and consulting ministries, I frequently ask this question: “Are there any untouchable traditions or practices I should be aware of?” By this, I mean anything from longstanding traditions to unspoken rules or policies that might limit our ability to think creatively or reimagine how the vision and mission are communicated.

Almost every time, the initial response is, “No, there’s nothing like that. Be as creative and innovative as you want!” But as the work progresses, those “untouchables” often resurface:

  • “Wait, you can’t change that.”
  • “We’ve never done it that way before.”
  • “That’s not how we do things here.”

Traditions, ingrained ways of thinking, and even fond nostalgia can creep back in—even during seasons where leaders are committed to forward-thinking strategies. While it’s important to honor the past, there’s a fine line between celebrating history and letting it prevent progress.

Honoring the Past Without Getting Stuck

Ministries often face tension between preserving what has worked before and embracing what needs to change. A strong foundation—rooted in vision, mission, and purpose—helps navigate this tension. When “untouchable” traditions resurface, it’s essential to evaluate them thoughtfully:

  • Are they vital to the mission today, or are they simply remnants of a different time?
  • Do they align with where the ministry is headed, or are they holding it back?
  • Are they lessons from the past that should be celebrated rather than repeated?

By asking these questions, ministries can ensure that their history informs their future rather than limits it.

Safeguarding Progress: Practical Tips

Here are some suggestions to keep your ministry moving forward without being derailed by nostalgia or outdated practices:

1. Revisit the Vision and Mission Often

Anchor every decision to your ministry’s core purpose. When untouchable practices arise, ask how they align with the vision. If they don’t serve the mission, it may be time to let them go.

2. Identify “Untouchables” Early

Create space for honest conversations about traditions and practices early in the planning process. Invite leaders to share what they feel should be preserved and why. This can help surface potential roadblocks before they slow down progress.

3. Celebrate the Past Without Repeating It

Honor the history and legacy of your ministry by celebrating milestones and remembering what worked in previous seasons. However, resist the temptation to recreate those moments. Instead, focus on applying the principles behind past successes to new opportunities.

4. Encourage an Open Mindset

Foster a culture that values innovation and creativity over rigid adherence to tradition. Equip your team to approach change with curiosity, asking, “What’s possible?” rather than, “What’s safe?”

5. Evaluate Traditions Objectively

When faced with resistance, use your vision as a filter. Evaluate whether a practice is essential to your ministry’s identity or if it’s a roadblock to innovation. Keep what matters most and release what no longer serves your mission.

6. Involve the Community

Engage your congregation or ministry stakeholders in the process of change. Invite feedback and stories about what matters to them. This can help create buy-in for new approaches while ensuring meaningful traditions are honored.

Final Thoughts

Traditions and cherished practices are a natural part of any ministry’s story, but they should never limit its potential. By staying rooted in vision and purpose, leaders can honor the past while embracing the future.

So, what’s holding your ministry back? Are there traditions, systems, or practices that need to be reexamined? And how can you ensure that memories of the past inspire your ministry to dream boldly about what’s ahead?

Remember: progress doesn’t mean forgetting where you’ve been—it means using those experiences as a foundation to build something even greater. Let’s dream more than we remember, and let those dreams propel us into the future God has called us to create.

Jason-Lehman-profile-bw2
Written By:

Jason Lehman

Lead Strategist & Founder
Jason writes and consults in a variety of areas including: Communication Strategy, Perception Studies, Brand Strategy, Donor Strategy

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