We Love Sundays — Episode 3

What does it actually take to lead change in a historic church without blowing it up?

In this episode, Trent sits down with Dr. Jason Kennedy, Lead Pastor of Bakersfield First Assembly, to talk about the real work of pastoral leadership, church revitalization, and building healthy systems that last.

Instead of flashy strategies or quick fixes, this conversation is about something rarer: patience, grit, and long-term faithfulness.

Dr. Kennedy shares what it looks like to pastor an established congregation with deep roots, navigate resistance to change, honor church history, and still move forward with clarity and conviction. We talk systems, community engagement, congregational care, and why slow, steady growth almost always beats radical overhauls.

If you’re a pastor, church leader, or anyone serving in ministry, this is a masterclass in sustainable leadership.

In this episode:

• The hidden challenges of leading a historic church
• Why change takes years, not months
• Building systems that actually create connection
• Balancing tradition with forward-facing ministry
• Church growth through relationships, not hype
• Creating belonging + community engagement
• Practical advice for new and struggling pastors
• How patience builds trust and long-term health

Sound bites:

“Slow and steady wins the race.”

“You see a need and you fill it.”

“Plant and bloom where you’re planted.”

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Pastor Jason Kennedy

03:02 Pastoral journey and experience

05:46 Challenges of leading a historic church

08:57 Navigating change and building trust

12:07 Patience in leadership

14:54 Balancing change and tradition

17:58 Music, generations, and church culture

18:43 Inspiring future generations

21:01 Finances, stability, and growth

23:42 Sacredness in worship

25:11 Youth and community engagement

27:34 Building relationships and church health

30:19 Systems for growth and retention

34:37 Advice for new and struggling pastors

🎙️ We Love Sundays is a weekly podcast on faith, church, and culture.

New episodes every week.

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