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It happens every four years. We get an extra day. Something about the equinox in that we get a fourth of a day and then we get to add them up to get the 29th. Cally's teacher is using the event as an opportunity to teach fractions. So, Leap Year 2008 is here and our additional day has come and gone.

Driving around town today with Lori and our kids, I saw a sign that read "there are no unimportant days." It got me to thinking that even though today was my "day off" that there are always things to do and challenges to overcome. It seems like every time I turn on the news I hear about increasing gas prices and more house foreclosures. The economy is a topic of conversation everywhere and we're all wondering who is going to be the next president. I guess Leap Year gives us an additional day to talk about these things.

We've gotten into the Lenton season and there is a lot going on, which is the case no matter what time of year it is. But, I am doing what I can to be mindful of this time of year on the Christian calendar. There are alway distractions, and I can appreciate the struggle that many of us on going through spiritually and economically.

Last Wednesday night, I spoke to our church family about the importance of not only knowing what we believe but also knowing the value of "beholding." Barbara Brown Taylor wrote about this concept in Leaving Church, as she mentioned the fatigue involved in constantly defending doctrinal stances. The Bible passages she gravitated toward started with the word "behold." Her insights meant a lot to me, in the sense that there are times that I need to be still and soak in God's presence. As a pastor, I carry the weight of attempting to explain and communicate biblical truths on a weekly if not daily basis. This can be a difficult process. I am gaining a greater appreciation of the Apostle Paul's sentiment as he spoke to the church at Corinth. He came to them in "weakness, fear, and trembling" while focusing on "Jesus Christ and him crucified" (I Corinthians 2:1-5).

There's definitely a propositional component to the Christian faith. I've grown up in a climate that places a premium on doctrinal truths and at times this has resulted in disputes between fellow believers in Christ. There is a time to "take a stand" for one's beliefs and contend for the faith. I also believe that we cannot discount the existential element of Christianity, for without it we have a stale and lifeless faith. Paul said "I am crucified with Christ. . ." and with this statement comes an affirmation of how an encounter with Christ changes a person from the inside out. Many people long for this kind of meaningful spirituality, and this is where the Holy Spirit comes in. Baptists must continue on this journey, balancing what we know and what we feel about our faith.

I'll be reading the familiar passages about sin and suffering over these next several weeks. There will time to consider crucifixion and resurrection as well. I will praying to have more of those moments to "behold" the Christ of Christianity. It's okay not to be able to explain every component of the faith. Without the mystery, all we have is another cold, meaningless belief system devoid of relationship with the Holy. It's okay not to "feel" spiritual at times. We all struggle with spiritual warfare and the demons of discouragement.

Leap Day provided an additional 24 hours to reflect on our humanity and need for salvation. I hope it will be a catalyst to move closer to the cross and learn more about walking by faith "and not by sight."

Old Churches

I came across this photo of West Union Baptist Church in West Union, Oregon. Organized in 1844, it is the oldest Baptist church west of the Rocky Mountains. The simplicity and beauty of the building is a sight to behold. Looking at this picture, I can't help thinking about who might have attended there through the years. Oregon isn't typically thought of as Baptist country, and any church that has survived for this length of time is worthy of recognition.

Most of the churches I've been associated with have been considered "older" congregations, based not only on the number of years in existence but also the ages of the people who attend. There are interesting dynamics in play when you consider how many 80 year olds are still participating in their churches. I'm sure it has to be quite a reality check for them when their pastor is about as old as one of their grandchildren! This is a statement I've heard more than once through the years, and usually it is offered in endearment. I can't imagine staying in one church for my entire life, witnessing the changes in staff and church members. Usually the reality of church's aging is seen in the number of funerals that take place more frequently than they used to be.

There are different approaches to "church growth" and I've read just about all I care to about the subject. What I do find interesting are descriptions of the generations who are now attending our places of worship. I've read that we have four and maybe five generational types involved in the church. The older members have experienced the depression, wars, and are committed to the institution of the church. These folks tend to stay in one place for the long haul and are considered good workers. The younger members have different life experiences and don't understand what it's like to sacrifice and "go without" like many of their older contemporaries. Yet, the younger guard are more open to change and recognize the value of creativity. I won't go into all the details, but suffice it to say there are challenges to keeping all philosophies and worldviews in cooperation with each other.

I'm amazed at the knowledge and devotion of our people, but find it even more remarkable to learn about their life stories. Having multiple generations in the church creates a family atmosphere and this needs to be nurtured. The old adage is true: "You can't help growing older, but you can help growing old." As I transition through the mid-40s and the perils of mid-life, there is a recognition that what you do with people rather than buildings are the things that last. I've been fortunate to have had good role models who encouraged my spiritual development. Many of their life stories intersect with my own and I've been enriched by them. I can only hope that sharing life with its joys and challenges strengthens the body of Christ.

While recognizing the church is really the people, I do believe that places of worship can have meaning especially when connected to special events. Sometimes members tell me that "this is where my mom and dad used to sit" or "this is where I was baptized" or "my husband and I were married in this room." Hearing these stories gives the impression that you're standing on holy ground. There is a charm about old churches, and a quiet strength that comes from being in God's presence on Sunday morning. I appreciate efforts to reach a younger generation, specifically the contemporary movment's preference to church buildings that look more like generic office buildings. This isn't for me, and that's okay. I also believe that there is a hunger among college students and young professionals to experience God and older churches can assist with that.

Seeing this photograph reminded me that it really is what we do for Christ that lasts. Sometimes churches are critized for their unwillingness to change with the times. I wonder if this critique can be interpreted as a compliment to some degree. Many people are looking for consistancy in this changing world, and the church can offer stability for spiritual formation. It is possible to observe the tradition without becoming traditional in our approaches. We need to be "in the world and not of the world" while at the same time offering ourselves as "salt and light." This has been the challenge for centuries. Let's continue to make the effort.

When Pastors endorse Politicians

Rev. Wiley Drake is at it again. The pastor of the First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, CA has often been outspoken and claiming influence (if any) afforded him as a former 2nd Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. Recently he endorsed former Governor Mike Huckabee for President of the United States. Drake called on all Southern Baptists to get behind Huckabee saying "I believe God has chosen Mike for such an hour, and I believe all those running Mike Huckabee will listen to God."

It's not so much his endorsement that generated attention. It was his method, as he utilized church letterhead to get his message of support out. His efforts caught the attention of the Internal Revenue Service, which is not the sort of institution you want to disturb if you can help it. Under federal tax law, clergy can discuss politics and issues but must stop short of endorsing a political candidate. I'm sure Drake knew this but felt this technicality should be overlooked. It's not the first time he has done something to gain media attention, and I won't go into all those efforts.

While appreciating his right to an opinion, I don't believe pastors ought to be in the business of endorsing politicians for office. I had a friend run for judge once and I got out and held a sign for him, but didn't mention it from the pulpit or newsletter. This is not what I mean. I've seen and heard of churches being used for political platforms rather than places of worship. It is appropriate to discuss issues, like poverty, justice, racism, and the environment. I can see healthy discussions on these matters as well as others. But, there are too many folks in our churches with differing opinions who need to be respected without hearing who they should vote for in an election. I would be hard pressed to call someone an unbeliever simply because he or she doesn't vote the way I do. Unfortunately, this approach has not always been the case among some Baptist bretheren who equate political conformity to doctrinal accuracy.

Pastors ought to be spiritual leaders first and foremost without compromising their position as shepherd of the flock. Anytime a pastor throws his support for a candidate, he runs the risk of alienating some of his own members. I understand how important someone's viewpoint can be, and of course religion and politics are two of those subjects that we are told to avoid. At least Huckabee got out of the pastorate in order to pursue his interests in politics. He has been a governor longer than a pastor, from what I understand. Drake's backing won't have any serious impact on the election but should serve as an object lesson for the rest of us.

I still believe in that precious Baptist distinctive of church/state separation, and hope that Baptist preachers maintain a prophetic voice in challenging the people to love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and then to love our neighbor as ourselves. We don't need to get distracted and fight spiritual forces with physical means. This has been the track record of the SBC, and hopefully the New Baptist Covenant celebration avoided this politicization of gathering Baptists from around the continent. Time will tell. Preaching during an election year can be a delicate balancing act, but focusing on issues rather than identities can go a long way toward informing the people without alienating them. It can be a delicate balancing act, but at least I won't be using the church letterhead to tell our people who to vote for in November.

My first Lent in Springfield

We started a Wednesday Night Bible Study series on Ash Wednesday called Eyeing Easter. Former Baptist World Alliance General Secretary Denton Lotz wrote the material and invited his readers to take a journey of personal reflection during this "in between time" called Lent. Ash Wednesday reminds us of our sin and death sentence, while Easter signifies life and deliverance. During the 40 days, Christians should struggle with who we are sinners and seek a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God and others.

Baptists haven't typically been big observers of Lent, and I suspect it is because of a reaction to the medieval church and its traditions. There aren't too many churches in Baptistland who offer any reference to the time leading up Easter; much the same way that Advent is neglected. While not getting into the ashes on the forehead myself, I do acknowledge that it is a big part of the holy season for many believers in the wider Christian world. I spoke with one of my pastor friends from the Presbyterian branch who said there was an Ash Wednesday service, including ashes for those who wanted them. It can be a very meaningful thing. Unfortunately, there are images of revelry during Mardi Gras in New Orleans on Tuesday and then those same persons filing into St. Louis Cathedral for those ashes that signify repentance. It can be confusing.

What I've been thinking about here lately is my own mortality and the importance of being thankful for each day that comes. There were a number of disturbing images on TV the last few days of devastation in TN and north Arkansas, as dozens were killed and many more had their belongings scattered by those horrible winds. Union University in Jackson, TN had a direct hit and a women's dorm was completely destroyed. Remarkably, no one was killed in that impact. Many who came out that experience were praising God for his deliverance, yet I wonder about all those others who may have called out prior to their death. There is a mystery about these "acts of God" that cannot be explained. I don't deserve the blessings I receive, so when my car didn't start this morning because the lights were left on all night I took it in stride.

Lent provides an opportunity to reflect upon my sinfulness and need for forgiveness. It's also a time to recall where I was this time last year and where I am today. A lot has taken place, and much has been learned. This is an "in between" time. I will seek to slow down enough to make these 40 days meaningful.