I visited a most remarkable church over the weekend, First
Baptist Church of Redlands, CA.
Thoughtful, open, welcoming, intellectually curious, and scholarly, it
is shepherded by a meticulously intentional pastor, Joe DeRoulhac, who has
served there faithfully for 25 years.
Nothing happens without clear theological rationale; not surprisingly,
the church is flourishing.
Ringed
about by the San Bernardino Mountains and spattered with orange groves, this
lovely city gives priority to education, health, and civic good. The church is a vital part of this community
and serves it in countless ways. Attracting a highly educated populace, persons
brimming with talent, questions, and spiritual hunger, the congregation is
lighting many dark places.
Matthew’s
Gospel articulates this kind of mission: “Let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works and give glory to God . . .” (5:16). Among the aphorisms of Jesus, the symbol of
light speaks of illuminating witness.
God’s people are to point the way to
God.
Serving as
guest theologian, I had opportunity to converse with the major constituencies
of the church. Our dialogue was
fruitful, and we discussed wide-ranging issues of spiritual formation,
interfaith relations, ecology, and Baptist identity. Free flowing intellectual inquiry made for
bracing exchanges.
During one
session on the Holy Spirit, a woman asked: “What are the sources for language
about the Spirit?” It was a perceptive
question and opened up new interdisciplinary pathways of discourse.
One person
characterized the congregation as a safe place for “spiritual orphans.” These are persons who have suffered under
dictatorial or abusive pastoral leadership and doctrinal legalism. Clearly, the church has a gift for healing.
Intergenerational
and multicultural leadership abounds in the congregation. Old and young stood shoulder-to-shoulder
serving communion, singing, reading Scripture, and praying. Their joy in being together was palpable. When the worship service concludes, the
congregation moves outdoors to a patio for coffee and treats, visible to those
passing by. Moving the church closer to
the street seems like a good metaphor for public engagement.
While I
certainly enjoyed the balmy 60 degree weather in Southern California, I enjoyed
even more the warmth of this healthy congregation. They are surely lighting their part of the
world.
Molly T.
Marshall
Central
prepares women and men for seeking God, shaping church, and serving humanity.
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