I love tradition! I was raised in a town that was boasts of tradition. Tuscaloosa, AL is the home of the University of Alabama and the Crimson Tide Football Program. The Tide has 12 National Championships and lots of tradition. They aren't the only school that does. Michigan, Notre Dame and Penn State are just a few others that have tradition. Look at their uniforms. They have kept traditions and are still winning today. But what each of these programs has done to stay successful is to keep traditions but move forward. Notre Dame hired Charlie Weiss fromt the New England Patriots. They now have an 21st Century offense. Some were saying that Joe Paterno at Penn State had lost it, but he went after the modern athlete and they had a 10 win season last year. What is it that makes them successful? Tradition or keeping up to date? It isn't either or -- It is both and! When a prospective athlete visits Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, they will see the 12 National Championships and statues of Bear Bryant. They are impressive. But the modern athlete wants to know what is for them today. Tradition is important, but so is staying current. That is the debate in many churches today. What do we do? Do we throw out tradition for "being hip?" I say no! We need both! Tradition is good as long as it is not considered the Gospel! Tradition helps us know where we have been. But just as important as tradition is- is being relevant. Relevancy says tradition keeps me grounded but how can I use it to connect with our socieity today. I saw this article that I thought was insightful. Click here. "Contemporary" churches are going retro and traditional churches are becoming relevant! I think that is cool! It isn't either or--it is both and! **Update: I forgot to mention the Oklahoma Sooners in my list of football teams that have tradition and are relevant. (sorry Paul :) )