I have always enjoyed Disney World’s Carousel of Progress. Among the park’s oldest attractions, this ride celebrates human ingenuity and the march toward the future. It was extremely innovative when it debuted at the 1964 World’s Fair, and it was reportedly Walt Disney’s personal favorite of all his attractions.

It may seem dated now (my kids much prefer the Buzz Lightyear ride), but there’s something about it that keeps me coming back. I think it’s mostly nostalgia; it’s something I remember doing as a kid with my parents, and I enjoy revisiting it with my own kids. It’s also a reminder that progress and innovation are part of our DNA.

Progress drives leaders. It is the visible and tangible result of the work we do — including our work within the Church. Evangelism, discipleship, Kingdom expansion, and the overarching missional mandate of God demand forward movement.

We must remain fully present with the people and issues we influence today, while remaining mindful of where we’ve been. Looking back informs our present and future. Yet the greatest amount of our energy must be future-focused.

Evangelism, discipleship, Kingdom expansion, and the overarching missional mandate of God demand forward movement.

As we lead others in challenging times, here a few ways to keep the carousel of progress moving forward.

1. Create a culture of celebration. My friend Greg Ford pastors One Church near Columbus, Ohio, and one of their traditions is to wear T-shirts on baptism Sundays that say, “We party to remember.”

Where most party to forget, One Church celebrates to remember what Jesus has done. I love that! It’s one way Greg and his church create a culture of celebration — for what God did yesterday, what He’s doing today, and what He’s going to do tomorrow.

Of all people, followers of Jesus should know how to celebrate and party!

2. Creatively mark memories. In the Old Testament, the people of God routinely laid down stones to mark a moment in time, remember what God had done, and tell a story of the past to shape the future. It literally marked their progress as a people.

It’s important for leaders to pass on stories and traditions of faith from one generation to the next.

3. Commit to forward motion. Disney was a master of innovation. Followers of Jesus Christ should also excel in this area. After all, no work matters more than ours.

Boring is unacceptable, and getting stuck is not optional. Progress requires forward motion and a commitment to the future. For spiritual leaders, that means doing whatever it takes to reach people with the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This article originally appeared in the October/November/December 2017 edition of Influence magazine.