Pass the Baton
In any relay race, in addition to running, there is one main requirement. The baton must be passed from runner to runner successfully to complete the race. Dropping it at any point immediately eliminates the entire team from the race. There have been several U.S. Olympic relay teams who were expected to win medals, but who were eliminated early in the heats because they failed to successfully pass the baton.
The same is true in regard to faith. Each generation must pass the baton of faith to the successive generation, that they too may experience the joy of “running the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1) They may have a different running style or carry the baton in their own unique way, but they can still relish the joy of running in this life of Christian faith.
Some of the faith batons we can pass on are our practices and traditions that we maintain in our homes such as family devotions or prayers, conversations around important issues, insights from our understanding of Christian practice, and experiences serving together in mission and ministry opportunities that put into practice the words we espouse.
Last night several of us gathered to take part in conversations with college students and young adults around important spiritual and theological issues. It was amazing to hear them share their perspectives in an open, inclusive and non-judgemental context. Part of passing the baton of faith is letting them grasp it for themselves in a manner that is most useful to them.
We must admit that letting go of something we value is difficult. We want the next holder to value it as much as we do so we may be tempted to hold on too tightly. We also might initiate a slew of restrictions on its uses, risking a failed transfer. However, our role is to place it firmly in their hands in a way that they can grasp. That may mean we are required to do most of the stretching to ensure they can reach it. This can come in the form of new ways of expressing faith such as digital engagement, modern worship styles, more casual dress, alternative gathering times, etc.
Having watched several U.S. relay races drop the baton, it is clear that the failed transfer is devastating for all runners. I for one seek to do all that I can to help that transfer go smoothly. I hope there are many who want to join me.
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Dan Kreiss, RPC’s new Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach, brings with him a heart for service and a diverse array of experiences in the mission field. Be sure to subscribe to the Mission Outreach Blog to read and follow along as he documents his personal journey and shares his vision for RPC’s mission outreach commitment. Along with providing meaningful resources, this blog will help jumpstart the important conversations our church community must be having about missional living.
Dan Kreiss
Rev. Dr. Dan Kreiss is the Associate Pastor for Mission Outreach at RPC. Dan is particularly passionate about encouraging the church to reflect the diversity found in its surrounding community in regard to age, gender, ethnicity, education and economic status.