Mission Dia(Blog) - Legacy

I am meeting with a congregation that is considering its future. Will it stay open or should it close. The word legacy became an important part of our discussion. Here are some of my thoughts based upon that conversation.

One of the definitions for the word legacy is, "anything handed down from the past." Legacy is an important word for me. A number of years ago I took some time to think about what I wanted to hand down from my life to those who would follow me. Here is my list:

• That my love for my wife Patty was always evident in my home and in the world.
• That my children would have a living faith in Jesus Christ.
• That I would be remembered by all as a believer in Jesus Christ.
• That people would learn that serving others serves God.
• That people would see good stewardship includes generous giving and living within one's means.

These legacy goals shape my everyday living. After writing them down there were some changes I needed to make.

We can think about legacy also in the terms a congregation’s work in their community bringing the message of Jesus Christ to the generations. In fact this has been done for generations.

"What we have heard and known, what our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his powers, and the wonders he has done." Psalm 78:3-4.

Someone once asked me this question, "If Christ Lutheran Church in Lansing was to close next week who in the community would grieve the loss?" That question helped me and the congregation ask, "Are we serving only ourselves or are we bringing Jesus into our community through our service?" The result was we looked for more ways to serve. I really like the old slogan of the English Synod, "the faith of the parents in the language of the children." The word legacy is hidden within that statement. What do you think?

In service to Jesus Christ

The Rev. David L. Thiele
Mission Executive/Consultant