By Rev. Conitras M. Houston, Contributing Writer

I have had the amazing, humbling opportunity to pastor three congregations in three different cities within the state of Georgia. Upon arrival to each of these church buildings, I met God’s people. Within God’s buildings, God’s people had various stories and life experiences which shaped their understanding of worship, work, and witness. Each time, I have been excited about the opportunity to bloom where I am planted while encouraging God’s people to do the same.

Although I do not have a green thumb, I have received my share of plants along my pastoral journey. At first, my plants were doomed to an early disposal. However, I quickly learned that life could be restored to wilting plants if I was willing to put in the work. This lesson transformed my pastoral ministry.

Oftentimes, we can be discouraged as pastors by the amount of “work” that God’s buildings need when we arrive. In the name of transparency, we also might be discouraged by the amount of “work” God’s people deserve. However, instead of being distracted by the real-life pastoral responsibilities that a Masters in Divinity degree does not reveal, I learned from my plants and decided to accept the challenge to “renovate God’s buildings and God’s people.”

This challenge is not one that suggests negligence on the part of my predecessors or the people of God I have been blessed to serve. On the contrary, it passionately compels me to function in the type of pastoral work for the season that God has trusted me to serve. These are seasons of renovating God’s buildings and God’s people—seasons of restoration, life, vigor, and activity!
When encouraging the church at Rome, Paul wrote these words in 12:1-2: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In other words, Paul was telling believers that renovations were necessary.
As pastors, we can do God’s people a greater service by encouraging renovations of self and building. Our bodies are houses for the Spirit of God and our churches are houses for the worship of God. Since this is the case, I believe we should maintain the newness of both God’s buildings and God’s people. However, we must do so first by example and then with wisdom.
Before engaging in a renovation of God’s building and people, I engage in a pastoral renovation. God restores my life, vigor, and activity for ministry. I ask God to make God’s vision clear so that the work will be successful and bring God glory. Practically, this involves personal prayer and planning, and the same continues throughout and beyond renovations.

As the pastor is renovated, the people are more open to renovations as well. Teach, preach, and worship in a posture that seeks to ignite spiritual fires and desires within the congregation. As this continues, a vision for renovating God’s building can be planted successfully. For me, we do so debt free. Write the vision, create a practical plan to raise the needed funds beyond the operating budget, celebrate victories along the way, and stay the course!

At the end of the building renovations, God’s people and God’s pastor are renovated as well and more effective for relevant, renovated ministries. If God says so, I encourage others to seek God for the opportunity to renovate God’s buildings and people.

The Rev. Conitras M. Houston (or Pastor “C” as she is affectionately known) is the senior pastor of Trinity AME Church in Atlanta, Georgia, and serves as special assistant to the General Secretary/CIO of the AME Church.