Strangely Warmed

In a recent conversation with one of my colleagues, we discussed which furnishing were essential for Christian worship. I suggested that every sanctuary needs a baptismal font. My friend didn't understand. "What if there weren't any families there," he said, "so there wouldn't be any babies." "I baptize adults at the font as well," I replied. "And even if I never baptize anyone at the font," I continued, "it serves as a visible reminder of our union with Christ." The more I've thought about this, the more convinced I've become that the font, the table and the pulpit are the three most important furnishings in the church's worship space. Visually and experientially, those three items put word and sacrament at the center of the church's communal life. Baptism, communion and the preaching of the word are at the heart of what God's people do when they gather to worship. These three objects define who w...

We are currently in the church season of Lent. Lent and Christian baptism go hand in hand. Lent historically functioned as a time of final preparation for those who would be baptized at Easter. In some traditions, it still functions that way. But Lent is also a period of repentance and "preparation" for Holy Week for those who are already Christians. What exactly does it mean? Is it about contemplating Christ's sufferings? Having a deeper spiritual life? Intentionally focusing on spiritual growth? Thinking exceptionally deep thoughts about God? Identifying with the poor or the marginalized? Doing something extra for God? Reforming some character flaw? Protestant churches which observe Lent are all over the map about its practice and the purpose. Let me suggest that baptism is still perhaps the best lens through which to look at Lent. Thinking of Lent as a period of baptismal renewal, I think, could have a profound impact on our Lenten practices. I'm not even...