Dying to leave a legacy
When we pastors first move away and watch our hometown fading in the rearview mirror, or celebrate the end of our ministry in a particular congregation, or receive a diagnosis about the end of our days, most of us react in a certain way.
“During times of transition, we immediately review the past,” explains Claire Bamberg, director of coaching at the Center for Progressive Renewal. “We ask, ‘What have I done that matters? What will others remember me for? What will my legacy be?’” The more permanent the change, the more questions and the deeper the struggle.
Through much of history, many of us have been led to search for meaning in church. Our faith drives us to slip into ancient pews and guides us to well-worn wisdom in our liturgies, hymns, and scriptures. It inspires us to work together to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. It compels us to focus our attention on something larger than ourselves.
