The term legacy used to describe a church is often associated with a church ready to close its chapter of gospel expression as it passes itself on to another season of vitality through handing the baton of faith to new leadership. That reference to legacy is not what I intend when I speak of a legacy church.
A Legacy church is one that has existed for some time (preferably a century or more) in the same town or district who, since its beginning, has consistently served its community by reminding them of Jesus. The legacy a church has is a gospel legacy.
From a study of 2 Timothy, I give 20 characteristics of a legacy church.
A Legacy Church:
Remembers that we serve at the will of Christ (1:1)
Remembers that our ministry is according to the life that is in Christ Jesus (1:1)
Relies upon the strength that God provides (1:2)
Prays constantly for the work of the Lord to continue (1:3-4)
Stirs each other’s affections for Christ (1:5)
Stays focused on the gospel (1:8-13)
Seeks the progress of the gospel (2:1-7)
Hopes in the power of God above their circumstances (2:8-13)
Determines to make the gospel matter most (2:14-19)
Seeks holiness to desire to be pleasing for God’s use (2:20-26)
Is kind to those who oppose them (2:24-26)
Grounds themselves in God’s thoughts not their own thoughts (3:1-17)
Demands the faithful proclamation of Scripture (4:1-5)
Makes evangelism a priority (4:5)
Seeks eternal rewards (4:6-9)
Longs for fellowship with one another (4:9-17)
Enjoys increasing in the knowledge of God (4:13)
Hopes in the Lord’s salvation (4:18)
Is Assured that the Lord is with them (4:22)
Is all of grace (1:2 – 4:22)
What other characteristics should make up a legacy church?
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