The Ones Who Stay

It is not uncommon, in conversations about church growth, to hear concern about older congregations. Words like “resistant” or “set in their ways.”

And some of that critique is well deserved.

But critique is not what is on my mind today.

I have been thinking about the people I have pastored for the past five years.

The ones who stay a little later than everyone else to make sure the doors are locked. The ones who arrive early enough for the coffee to be made before anyone else gets here. The ones who give quietly, without announcement, and serve in ways that rarely make their way into a bulletin.

When I first came here, I was told a church like this might struggle to grow.

In some ways, that is true.

It is true that older people are slower to embrace change—but they are also more committed to their church. More faithful.

The temptation to grow fast is real. Five years ago, that is what I wanted. Not anymore.

Not because it is always easy, but because I have witnessed the daily faithfulness of people who love their church, serve without recognition, and remain when things are not simple.

In these years, I have learned that faithfulness is better than speed. It bears fruit. It builds relationships. It is steady and trustworthy. It forms disciples over time.

It is slow, though. I suppose the older I get, the more resistant I am to speedy change, too.

So if I had a choice between faithful and fast, I would choose faithful.

Thank you for allowing me to be your pastor these last five years.

Bless you,
Pastor.