Legacy Church Lancaster: Embracing a New Season with God’s Direction
a sermon by Larry Neville

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I believe I am here by God’s divine timing, ready to share five important directions that the Holy Spirit has placed on my heart for Legacy Church in this new season.

 

Drawing from Paul’s words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:5-6, we are reminded of the importance of legacy. Just as Timothy inherited the faith of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice, Legacy Church is also building on a heritage of faith that will shape its future.

 

 

1. The Importance of Your Name: Legacy

 

Your church name, "Legacy", is no accident. Names are influential, representing purpose and identity. Churches often rebrand to stay relevant, but in merging ITLM and Activ8, you are reclaiming a shared legacy. Your name is a bridge to the past and a promise for the future.

 

Just as the Israelites carried God’s name with them, you are called to embody the legacy of faith passed down to you. Exodus 20:7 reminds us not to take God’s name in vain, which means more than avoiding misuse—it calls us to honor our identity in God. In the same way, don’t simply wear the name “Legacy”; live it. This name sets you apart in Lancaster, with a unique history and a particular purpose that others will recognize.

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2. The Importance of Your Location

 

Legacy Church is strategically located in the heart of Lancaster, and that’s no coincidence. Your location is a core part of your mission, reminding you that God has placed you here for a reason. Like the Azusa Street revival that shaped modern Pentecostalism, 

 

The Praise Chapel network I have the privilege of serving is marked by significant locations, including Maywood, CA.

 

In the same way, Pastor Phil Hernandez’s history in Lancaster is interwoven with the city’s streets and communities. Legacy Church’s current building, once the Grace Evangelical Congregational Church, is rooted in over a century of history. This location was entrusted to a multi-racial, inner-city congregation—your church—to meet Lancaster’s evolving needs. 

 

Embrace this space as your own “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), knowing that this location is integral to God’s purpose for you.

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3. The Importance of Your Message

 

Paul charged Timothy to “hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching” (2 Timothy 1:13). The message you carry is foundational to the Legacy you’re building. Pastor Phil Hernandez left a legacy grounded in God’s Word, and now that responsibility rests with you.

 

Faithfulness to the gospel is essential. Like Paul instructing Timothy to “preach the Word,” Legacy Church must stay true to the message that has shaped its leaders and congregation. This message is the heartbeat of your community, and it will continue to sustain and guide you as you serve Lancaster.

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4. The Importance of Your Witness

 

A church’s witness is its public testimony, the outward expression of its faith. Jesus calls us to invite “the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (Luke 14:21-23) into His house. This is a call to action for Legacy Church: a witness isn’t silent; it boldly speaks, proclaims, and shares the good news.

 

Your church’s growth is tied to its witness. As you evangelize the community, witness God’s love and salvation through words and actions. Lancaster is full of people who need hope, healing, and connection, and Legacy Church is positioned to answer those needs.

 

5. The Importance of Your Vision

 

Legacy Church is more than a congregation; it is a disciple-making, church-planting center. Pastor Ray and Pastor Jose were sent out from here to plant churches, and now they have joined together to continue building this legacy of growth and outreach.

 

This vision extends beyond Lancaster, with church plants already in cities like Philadelphia, Allentown, Jersey City, and globally. Legacy Church has the opportunity to train and empower young leaders for church planting and to host conferences, retreats, and discipleship events that foster faith and unity. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us of the great cloud of witnesses cheering us on—now is the time to continue running the race with purpose and passion.

 

Legacy Church in Lancaster stands on the shoulders of giants, with a rich history, a strategic location, a clear message, a vibrant witness, and an expansive vision. As you step into this new season, may you fully embrace the legacy you’ve inherited and build upon it with faith and determination. Let’s look forward to all that God will do through Legacy Church to impact Lancaster and beyond.