Preserving Landmarks or Paving the Way Forward?

I have fond memories of the Houston Astrodome. I’ve been to many events there, from childhood into my middle age years. But the Astrodome is now in its second decade of sitting vacant and unused. Over those years, a number of different proposals have been made for the future use of the facility. An underlying argument in all of these is that the Dome is a historic landmark and an iconic part of Houston that must be preserved. Even though I grew up in the area, these arguments have little emotional connection with me. The Alamo is a historic landmark. So are the Brooklyn Bridge and Parliament and Notre Dame Cathedral. Even though the Astrodome was the world’s first domed, air-conditioned stadium, it doesn’t come close to my threshold for “historic landmarks.” So if Harris County (which owns the Dome) can come up with a viable plan to repurpose the structure for future use, I’m in favor of it. But I’m not swayed by the notion that we must preserve it. I see similar dynamics in many churches and ministries. Some people want to treat virtually everything as a “landmark” – not just physical facilities, but all kinds of programs as well. They may talk nostalgically about the “good old days” or complain that a younger generation needs to get on board. As they do so, they make it clear that these “landmarks” should not be changed. I am not a proponent of change just for the sake of change. Nor do I think that we should trample over the feelings of others. But I do agree with Jim Collins that the best organizations “preserve the core and stimulate progress.” In ministry, the gospel is the core of what we do, not a building or a certain style of worship or a particular schedule or a specific outreach ministry. When everything gets “landmarked,” churches and ministries become trapped in the past. If we’re not willing to make changes, we may end up preserving a hollow shell that serves no purpose at all. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>