I am so grateful to have been able to attend a
wonderful conference in Atlanta with Tracy and Sheila called Orange the last
three days. I have learned so much and now face the task of choosing from all
the ideas gathered. I have to chose one or two that I will work on for the next several months. Pray
I hear God's voice on that!
One of my favorite artists is here-David Crowder.
I love how he blends true musical talent with authentic faith with poetry and a
splash of quirky. At the beginning of the Collide album there is a short "jingle"
in which he sings the words "Everybody wants to go to heaven but nobody
wants to die." I have always appreciated the depth of that statement.
When we become a Christian we die.
Don't breeze past that thought. Everything we were
about, what we thought was important, our desires DIED. And we asked for
it.
This must take place because while death still
lives in us through sin, life cannot take its place. Our death filled existence
must die, end, cease, so that life can begin. Consider Romans chapter six or
even the concept that we are born again. What a wonderful, glorious death!
Now consider who I work with as the children's
pastor. Should a child die in the same way I am referring to BEFORE they receive
eternal life? It is obvious that careful words are to be chosen, but I am
becoming more and more confident that kids need to die to live just like adults
do.
I wish I could have a conversation with all of you
about this. Maybe we could help each other arrive at a place of insight for the
leadership of our kids that would be helpful. I would love some company as I
walk this path with God, and I imagine you do too.
In the end I trust God is big enough to even
explain to a child how to die so they can live. I invite your thoughts!
Chris Schlender
Children's Pastor
