A Eutychian Moment

At least he wasn't sitting in a third story window.

Former President Bill Clinton nodded off during a worship service with MLK III at the pulpit. Unfortunately, he happened to be on the platform at the same time. Those platform chairs can be comfortable, maybe too comfortable? Ahh, the perils and prestige of a public figure go hand in hand. Never underestimate the mixture of a long, dull sermon with an exhausting schedule. He might not have been the only one asleep in the pew that day. I've heard this guy speak a little bit, and even younger men and women would have trouble staying in the zone of consciousness.

Falling asleep in church is something ministers and laypeople alike joke about. Seeing this photo makes me wish we had a kind of "fan cam" similar to what is in football stadiums to capture the behavior of certain fans. It would be interesting to document ways church folks pass the time in a worship service, other than the appropriate way of staying riveted to every word from their inspiring preacher for the day. Anyway, I was reminded of what happened in Acts 20 when the great preacher Paul spoke through the midnight hour. . . "There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seating in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on (emphasis mine). When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead" (v9). The story ends on a good note as Paul came down and brought him back to life. I guess that's as good a way to end a sermon as any, but not too many preachers can pull that off.

I've sat through some sermons that made me feel like I needed to be "brought back to life." It's a miserable feeling for the eyelids to falter as the preacher is making his 12th point in alliteration. Sometimes the poem never comes and it is even more disheartening when you see the preacher pass up numerous chances to "bring the sermon in for a landing." When I was a teenager, I recall our pastor preaching through Exodus on Sunday nights. There were times I actually felt like I was in the wilderness; it was a dry, tiring experience. It left quite an impact on me, yet probably not the one desired.

It's pretty amazing that Eutychus got his name in the Bible for falling asleep during a sermon. And this was Paul the apostle at the pulpit. But even his great oratorical skills were no match for a warm, dimly lit room around midnight and this "young man" couldn't take it anymore and left the building. Falling asleep during the sermon is not the most notable accomplishment, and there have been many who have followed his example. Even former presidents. I've even had one or two church members tell me that they "take medication that makes them fall asleep" when they get still. I guess they picked it up from some deacons in the foyer. Fortunately, this kind of behavior hasn't been shown to be life threatening, only a little embarrassing. Just make sure to watch the snoring and find a place somewhere else than behind a large preacher and the pulpit to catch a few z's.

I've tried to remember the adage: "be sure to finish preaching before the people stop listening." It's a goal anyway, and so far we haven't had any fatalities due to sermon duration. But, I'll be watching for some nodding and stretching during inappropriate moments.

One Hundred Years of Praying

This Sunday, January 20, marks the beginning of the centennial anniversary of the Week of Prayer for Christian unity. I received some information from the ABC-USA and also came across an article in the recent issue of Baptists Today that referred to the subject. Until recently, I had never heard of such a recognition. This isn't really all that surprising when you consider my denominational upbringing. I've been in Southern Baptist churches most of my life and can't recall ever hearing about the need to be unified with followers of other denominations. There were, however, warnings to avoid too much association with them because there were significant issues that were "non-negotiatable" which prevented our fellowship. We had to be careful not to compromise our beliefs by being around them. Southern Baptists, in particular, have had this mindset and this influence had an affect on me early on. This view has been reinforced time and agains, and most significantly with the SBC's withdrawal from the Baptist World Alliance. Fortunately, I came to realize that they (we) were not "God's last and only hope" as the Bill Leonard book title indicated.

Although there won't be an elaborate celebration, our church will be told about such a recognition and I'll be preaching on unity from John 17. Jesus prayed for all persons who would come to faith through the message of those early followers. That includes us of course, and his desire was that we would be "one" so that the world would know that he came from the Father. Unity is so important for God's people that Jesus prayed for it to occur among his disciples.

One lesson that I've had reinforced in my preparation this week is that Baptists haven't set a very good example in the spiritual unity category. We're much better at being legalistic, judgmental, and occasionally self-righteous in our belief that we have a corner on the truth. Our reputation has tended to be one of "what we're against" than "what we're for." It is possible to have our doctrinal ducks in a row and be unkind and condescending to those who disagree with us. Oftentimes it has seemed that Baptists didn't need anyone else to get the work of Christ done. I recall a Southern Baptist mindset that was subtle yet real during conventions and pastor's conferences. Humility hasn't been in abundant supply.

Fortunately, I now travel in different Baptist circles and among people in a church who embrace ecumenism rather than fear it. Yes, we have our Baptist distinctives and these are precious to us. We believe in cooperative missions without controlling institutions and the spirit of volunteerism is encouraged. But, it is refreshing and liberating to be part of a Baptist presence that appreciates the diversity of denominations. I am grateful to be Baptist, but much more so to be a Christian. I've realized that some of the beliefs I've held through the years were rooted more in Baptist tradition than Bible. Time, study, and meeting believers from other theological rooms have caused me to rethink some of these previously "non-negotiable" positions.

We may not experience the unity Christ mentioned in this life. There is too much denominational turf to be protected and yes, there are significant theological truths that should not be compromised. Christians may agree on biblical authority but interpretation remains a sticking point. But it doesn't mean there can't be love and partnership among all of God's followers. I remember the words of my theology professor when challenged by his students on particular theological views: "I think I'm right about this position. But, when I get to heaven, and if Jesus tells me I was wrong, I'm not going to argue with him at that point."

The familiar refrain is worth repeating: "In Essentials, unity. In Non-Essentials, liberty. In all things, charity." Happy 100th anniverary, and let's keep on praying.

Florida Church Catches Fire

It's a sight no pastor or church member wants to see: their church going up in flames. Members showed up on Sunday morning and were faced with the smell of smoke and smoldering ashes. Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church was devastated by a fire only days before Christmas. The Jacksonville congregation gathered in their gym on December 23rd for worship, stunned by the devastating loss of their sanctuary. This is a terrible thing for any church to go through, not to mention the timing of the blaze. It is a blessing that no one appeared to be hurt in the fire, and that some areas of the building could be salvaged.

Pastor Kyle Reese has only been at the church about 18 months, but has shown remarkable courage and leadership during this crisis. His words to a shocked and hurting family of faith on that fourth Sunday of Advent are memorable: "In our strategic planning process," says Reese, "we've been trying to think of ways to reach out and embrace our community. But this morning we've seen how the community has reached out and embraced us." He expressed gratitude to businesses and other members of the faith community for their expressions of support. While on one would have wished this terrible event on the 50-year old congregation, it's encouraging to see that Reese is on the right track in bringing his church family together. It is a tough way to begin a pastorate. He will be faced with challenges and decisions he could never imagine.

I've been thinking a lot about this church, which happens to be a leading moderate congregation in Florida and the CBF in general. When the smoke clears, Hendricks Avenue will have the chance to live out their faith through adversity and difficulty. This situation has thrust them into their community in an unexpected way. This wasn't part of their planning process. What I'm reminded of through these images is that the church isn't the building, but the people. The Lord can use tragedy as a tool for bringing his people together and reaching a community in need of the Good News. Grief and loss are powerful emotions, and as this church works through them they will identify in a real way with individuals who have walked through personal valleys of their own.

Sometimes it's takes a tragedy to make us realize what's truly important in life. I've seen pictures of church members hugging one another and weeping over their church building. It's understandable. I'm sure there are members who are living with the loss of a place that has held special significance to them. Weddings, baptisms, and special services were held in that sanctuary. It's incredibly sad. But, they still have each other. I'll be hoping that they come together and "catch fire" with the power of the Holy Spirit. They will experience healing and growth with the sensitive leadership of their pastor. It will take time, but Hendricks Avenue will rise from the ashes to be stronger in their love for each other and for their community.