The Church Revitalization Podcast: How to Overcome the "We've Always Done It This Way" Objection

How to Overcome the "We've Always Done It This Way" Objection

Mar 11, 2026

"We've always done it this way." It's the most common objection church leaders face when trying to move their congregation forward — and one of the most frustrating. In this episode, Scott and A.J. break down what this phrase is actually communicating, who tends to say it and why, and walk through a practical three-step framework for responding to it without blowing up the unity of your church.

Scott Ball and A.J. Mathieu are consultants with The Malphurs Group, a church health and revitalization ministry. Each week on the Church Revitalization Podcast they bring practical, field-tested insights to help pastors and church leaders lead healthier, more effective churches.

[00:06:34] What is the "We've Always Done It This Way" objection really communicating? Fear of loss, distrust of leadership, and absence of vision
[00:12:13] Who says it? Understanding three types of objectors: the Loyal Traditionalist, the Power Protector, and the Chronic Objector
[00:21:10] Step 1 — Validate, don't capitulate: honor the past without being held hostage to it
[00:23:09] Step 2 — Reframe around mission, not preference: connect change to the Great Commission, not just strategy
[00:26:01] Step 3 — Create small, early wins: build momentum through incremental change rather than trying to overhaul everything at once

Resources & Links

Free 7-Day Trial of the Healthy Churches Toolkit: https://www.healthychurchestoolkit.com

TapConnect — Digital connect cards for your church (use code TMG10 for 10% off): https://www.tapconnect.church

Episode article: https://www.malphursgroup.com/331

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