The Reformed Life

Honoring the Past Without Getting Stuck in It

Introduction: A Needed Distinction 

Churches across the country, especially those in revitalization or multigenerational contexts, are often torn between honoring tradition and moving forward in gospel faithfulness. But too often, the real issue isn’t tradition itself—it’s traditionalism.

Jaroslav Pelikan captured it well:

“Tradition is the living faith of the dead; traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.”

The goal of this post is to help church members, leaders, and pastors discern the difference and to pursue a kind of biblical church life that both honors the past and remains faithful in the present. We stand on the shoulders of faithful saints. But we do so with our eyes on Christ’s mission for today.

1. Defining the Terms

Tradition is the faithful transmission of biblical doctrine and time-tested practices that help preserve and proclaim the gospel across generations. Paul affirms this in places like:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15: “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us…”
• 1 Corinthians 11:2: “I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”

In this sense, tradition is vital to healthy ecclesiology. It safeguards the faith (Jude 3) and passes it down through ordinary means of grace: preaching, the ordinances, prayer, membership, and church discipline.

Traditionalism, on the other hand, is the rigid clinging to forms and methods simply because they are old. It elevates familiarity over faithfulness, comfort over conviction. As Mark Dever puts it: “Tradition is a good servant but a poor master.”¹

Traditionalism preserves methods long after their fruitfulness has faded. It keeps structures even when the Spirit has moved on. It often sounds like, “We’ve always done it this way.”

2. Biblical Warnings Against Traditionalism

Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this very thing:

“You leave the commandment of God and hold to the tradition of men.” (Mark 7:8)

They prioritized inherited forms over faithful obedience. They kept the shell but lost the substance. Similarly, Jesus warned about pouring new wine into old wineskins (Mark 2:22). There are times when God is doing something fresh, and old methods can’t carry it.

3. The Beauty and Purpose of Tradition

We must not overreact and become anti-tradition. There is a beauty and strength in biblical tradition:

• It anchors us in orthodoxy (cf. Jude 3)
• It gives structure to discipleship and worship
• It links us with the faithful throughout history (Heb. 12:1)

Many traditions—singing rich hymns, reciting catechisms, following a church calendar, reading Scripture aloud—can be powerful tools of edification.

Jonathan Leeman writes:

“The traditions of a healthy church serve the truth of Scripture. They provide form to our faith and flesh to our doctrine.”²

But we must regularly ask: Are our traditions still serving the truth, or have they started replacing it?

4. The Subtle Drift Toward Traditionalism

The shift from tradition to traditionalism often happens slowly:

• A method that once bore fruit becomes non-negotiable
• A preference becomes a sacred cow
• Questions about effectiveness are treated as threats to orthodoxy

This is often rooted in fear: fear of losing what we love, fear of dishonoring our forefathers, fear of uncertainty. But fear should not drive the church—faith should (Heb. 11:6).

It is possible to love the past while still moving forward. Gospel faithfulness demands both.

5. Humble Leadership and Gracious Change

Change, especially in long-established churches, requires humility and patience.

Philippians 2:3-4 reminds us:

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves…”

Pastors must shepherd gently, listening carefully to those who are cautious or hurting. Likewise, members must resist idolizing comfort and be willing to let go of methods for the sake of the mission.

As Bobby Jamieson writes:

“We don’t preserve tradition for its own sake; we preserve it because it helps us preserve the gospel.”³

6. For the Church Member: Viewing Change with Grace

If you’re a church member navigating change, especially in a long-standing tradition-rich congregation, here’s a word of encouragement:

Trust that your leaders are not trying to erase your past—they’re seeking to be faithful in the present. Many pastors prayerfully wrestle with how to honor tradition while helping the church move forward. That tension is real. And your support, prayers, and gracious posture can be a powerful encouragement to them.

Hebrews 13:17 says:

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account.”

This doesn’t mean blind agreement, but it does mean we assume the best about their intentions, and we communicate with humility.

• Ask questions rather than make accusations.
• Share your concerns, but be willing to listen.
• Remember, your leaders are following the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4).

When members and leaders walk together in trust and grace, even difficult changes can become beautiful opportunities for growth.

7. How to Discern the Difference

Here are a few diagnostic questions for churches and leaders:

• Is this practice clearly rooted in Scripture or merely in habit? In other words, is this Biblically mandated, or a mere preference? 
• Has it borne fruit recently, or only in the past?
• Are we willing to re-evaluate it if it hinders our mission?
• Are we more upset by the loss of method than by the loss of people?

Healthy churches hold methods loosely but gospel convictions tightly.

Conclusion: Reforming with Reverence

Tradition is a gift. Traditionalism is a danger. As Protestants, we believe the church is always reforming according to the Word of God (semper reformanda).

Let us not throw out the wisdom of those who came before us. But let us also not be afraid to prune what no longer bears fruit. Let us love our history, but live for Christ today.

As you seek to lead your church forward, remember:

Methods are tools, not treasures. Preserve the gospel, not your preferences.

The call isn’t to innovation or nostalgia. It’s to faithfulness.

And faithfulness means obeying Christ right now.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Josh Chambers

Footnotes:

1. Mark Dever, 9Marks Journal: Reforming the Local Church ↩︎
2. Jonathan Leeman, “Don’t Fire Your Church Members” ↩︎
3. Bobby Jamieson, 9Marks Journal: Tradition and Church Health ↩︎

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