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 churchWhy change takes years, not monthsBuilding systems that actually create connectionBalancing tradition with forward-facing ministryChurch growth through relationships, not hypeCreating belonging + community engagementPractical advice for new and struggling pastorsHow patience builds trust and long-term healthSound 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. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you stream. Subscribe for more conversations with pastors, leaders, and builders shaping the modern church.