Heritage

Growing up in independent Baptist circles had some advantages, but one of them certainly not an attempt to connect us to an appreciation for religious heritage or tradition.  It seemed as if history and tradition were viewed with a high degree of suspicion.   I understand and even appreciate the concept that we were being taught to focus on the person and work of Jesus, and not on symbols, icons, or a traditions.   At the same time, I feel that in this approach I missed a great deal of the mystery and majesty that surrounds God.

We are now associated with the Evangelical Covenant Church and just the little reading I have done of its history, and the church plant training we did a few weeks back has sparked an emerging understanding that we are on the current cutting edge of the movement of  God through human history.  If you grew up in churches that have great traditions and identifications with various creeds and practices, this may seem elementary; and it is, in a good and profound sense.

For the first time I am beginning to grasp the grandness and depth of God’s character and love as it is expressed in symbols and rituals that stretch back through the ages.  I will be excited to see how we incorporate both new and ancient worship practices and rites designed to encourage our sense of awe and devotion of The Creator.