What do you want your legacy to be?

Pastor Doug Pratt
One of my all-time greatest heroes is Billy Graham, without doubt the finest preacher of the gospel in my generation (and perhaps ever). Shortly before his death, he was asked what he wanted his legacy to be.
He replied that he simply hoped that it could be said honestly about him that he had been faithful. I also believe that is the only thing that will matter when my ministry is over. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 4:2: “It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” And in Jesus’s parable in Matthew 25, those who use the gifts of the Master well are commended by the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Pastor Steven Grant
One’s legacy should be defined by others, but I would hope that while describing me and my humble efforts in ministry they would remember a passionate, Holy Spirit-driven love of the lord that could be characterized as a total embrace. I would also hope that somehow God would have used me to encourage in others a deep and abiding love of God’s Word.

Pastor Brad Rogers
Thomas Merton once said, “We cannot attain greatness unless we lose all interest in being great.” The legacy I hope to leave is to have cultivated such an intimacy with Christ, such conformity to His image, that Christ is proclaimed and known through me. In other words, my legacy would be that my loved ones would come to know the greatness not of Brad Rogers, but of Jesus. In Acts, after the disciples proclaimed the gospel, those who were present “took note that these men had been with Jesus.” Wouldn’t that be a great legacy—to be known to have been with Jesus?

Pastor June Barrow
I hope to leave behind a legacy of blessing. Some people depart this life leaving blessings everywhere they’ve been. Person after person felt seen and valued by them. That’s the gift they left; they left blessings.

Pastor Su Kim
I want my legacy to be like the Hall of Faith in Hebrews 11. None of the foibles, flubs, or failures of any of the men and women are mentioned; only their faith and obedience. I want those I’ve had the privilege of loving and serving on this side of eternity to remember that despite my many mistakes and flaws, I was someone who lived by faith, worked out through obedience to Jesus.

Pastor Allen Walworth
A legacy is a set of ripples coming ashore, long after the initial pebble has slipped beneath the water. The question is, “What will last, what will still be here when I am not?” toward that end, we have poured our lives and influence, like long-term investments whose return we will not personally reap, into shaping the character and faith of our children and grandchildren. And we have loved those in the churches where God has allowed us to serve, investing in people and ministries that will continue to thrive and to change the world, long aer our lap around the track is finished. As the Apostle Paul said to his churches when reflecting on his own legacy, you are my joy and crown (Philippians 4:1).