Frank and to the Point

PUBLISHED IN THE EVANGEL // April 24, 2008

Pastor Frank Lewis

by Dr. Frank Lewis, senior pastor

This weekend (April 25-27) marks the First Baptist Nashville Arts Festival with over 90 submissions of art depicting the 23rd Psalm. On Sunday we'll enjoy a very special time of worship with music provided by Christian artist Kyle Matthews, our choir, and an audio/visual presentation of art and artists words that will help us explore the psalm in new and meaningful ways.

Following this event, we begin the transitional month of May which starts off with Children's Day on the 4th. A couple of weeks later we celebrate our graduating high school seniors for their hard work and preparation for college. They will stand on the steps of our sanctuary where they once sat for Children's Features, and in another breath, parents will be packing them off for the next phase of life. As one who is personally involved in the process this year with a graduating senior in my family, I'm here to tell you, it all happens pretty fast. They are a child one day, a young adult the next.

I can't stress enough the value and blessing that a church family is in this experience. Sunday School teachers, missions and music leaders, Vacation Bible School workers, camp counselors, and those who simply speak kind words in the hallways of our church, often calling these young people by name, have all made an impact on the spiritual development of our students. They see the world in a different way because you helped them focus on it through the lens of grace. You laughed with them. You cried with them. You taught them to sing, to pray, to hide God's word in their hearts, and to show God's love to others in countless ways. You corrected them, but you also let them be kids. It's one of the intangible strengths First Baptist Nashville takes for granted. Someone once said it takes a village--I think it takes a church, and ours has a unique quality to it.

This quality expresses itself in the other transitions that take place under our steeple such as weddings, funerals, retirements, search committee processes, and more. We support one another when we know there is a need. We lift a prayer asking God to touch, hold, heal, guide, and bless. We smile and share a holy hug or a handshake. Sometimes we find a corner to share a story or catch up on new developments. In doing so, we do church.

Let me encourage you to help make the transitional month of May a very special time at First Baptist Nashville. Linger just a bit longer in the foyer and catch up with someone this week following worship. Celebrate with parents of children not only by being supportive of Children's Day, but by being present on Sunday night, May 18th for the Children's Music celebration. Reconnect with a Sunday School class or join the choir. You'll make a difference in someone's life in the process.

Blessings!