The Baton

October 21, 2018

Time was, when I’d have been out there by the woodpile, cutting, splitting, and stacking; but not today. Today was our grandson’s 11th birthday, so I stayed home to celebrate with the family. Our church buys a load of logs each year, and the men tackle the pile which we give away cord by cord to needy families. It is good fellowship, guys bonding over hard work. The schedule conflict allowed me to witness first hand God’s work as a new generation of men came together and got the job done. 

The Gospel is always only one generation away from extinction. Congregations where the only heads seen are gray are usually not long for this world. My United Methodist denomination has been closing more churches than it starts for an entire generation, which doesn’t bode well for the institution.

So when I see young men worshipping and working side by side and little kids running through the foyer, this old balding grayhead is grateful to be part of a congregation that is willing to do what it takes to reach the next generation. Maybe next year I won’t have a schedule conflict, so I can get out there and do my part. Until then, I’ll thank God for these guys who are picking up the baton, and I’ll pray that God gives them grace and wisdom and strength to teach their children; those little kids who are running all over the place.