It was quite a surprise when David entered my office. Serving as the senior minister of a large church in a rural community brings you in touch with many lives on a daily basis. This, however, was a visit that I will never forget.
David was the minister of the oldest Presbyterian Church in the state of Oklahoma when he entered my office with a question. I was well aware of the Church that he served and its’s historical influence on our entire community. Rural communities have a real sense of what it means to be a neighbor. As soon as I saw David my mind briefly paused out of respect before I said, “Good Morning David” and invited him to sit down. Here two preachers, one from the Presbyterian Church and one from the Christian Church sat down together. I had no idea what was to transpire from that meeting over the next few weeks. Looking back now, from the memories of ministry it was like God telling Moses,“Take off your shoes for the place where you are standing on is Holy Ground.” What had historically taken on the name, “No Man’s Land”, was to eventually be known as the, “Panhandle of Oklahoma” but was at this moment, “Holy Ground” for me.
The Presbyterian Church building was very small and had been well taken care of by loving generations of members through the years. Outside the Church stands a sign designating the building as a historical site of Oklahoma. Years before Oklahoma received it’s statehood worshippers gathered in this small building. The Presbyterian Church of Beaver, Oklahoma, was never large from any attendance standpoint but the entire community regarded it as a part of its identity and history. What a legacy for any congregation!
David had been serving in Presbyterian Churches for over 20 years when he came to my office. My surprise was not in seeing David, but the seriousness in which he approached me. Immediately he asked, “Paul, I have been struggling with an issue and I would like to ask you how you feel about it”. I reassured David and invited him to ask me anything that he wanted. He began by telling me about the debate going on in the Presbyterian Church over the issue to ordain homosexuals into the ministry. As he talked I could see that this was sincerely a difficult struggle raging in his heart. His commitment to ministry and application of many years of study and experience as a Presbyterian minister wrestled within him.
Together we searched the Scripture, studying the passages where God clearly states that homosexuality is sin. Tears came to David’s eyes for he already knew what God’s word said on this subject. “I agree with what the Bible says.” David remarked. “This should not even be a debatable subject. I just cannot understand the desire to want to ordain homosexuals into the ministry.” David talked for a long time and I sat and listened. We turned to other passages of scripture on the subject and read them together. Our discussion concluded in prayer and a commitment to continue to pray for each other.
As David got up from his chair I asked him, “Do you like to read for relaxation?” “I have a book about a Presbyterian minister that you might like to read.” From my bookshelf I gave him my copy of Louis Cochran’s book, “The Fool of God”, a novel based on the life of Alexander Campbell. David thanked me and gladly took the book.
Four days later he returned to my office with the book in hand and told me, “You know, I have a lot in common with Alexander Campbell.” David sat down and we talked in great detail about the life of Alexander Campbell and the struggles that he faced as a Presbyterian minister. We talked briefly on some of the basic principles of the Restoration Movement. He had never heard the term before.
Then to my astonishment David asked, “Paul will you study the subject of baptism with me?” Out of the blue the question was asked and stunned my train of thought. I suggested that we meet for an hour on Tuesday mornings for the following six weeks. David was extremely faithful in keeping these appointments and always came prepared. His hand written notes and prepared questions telegraphed his desire to learn more of the Word of God. Much study time was spent on the purpose and mode of baptism. During the final study session, David asked a question that I will remember for the rest of my life, “Will you immerse me into Christ for the remission of my sins?” I agreed to baptize David and told him we could go to the baptistry right then. He further astonished me by saying, “I want to do it Friday because I want the leadership from the Presbyterian Church to attend. I also want you to prepare a message on the meaning of Acts 2:38 and Romans 6 and preach at my baptismal service.” I was moved by his sincerity and together we set the time for Friday. He also approved of me inviting the elders of First Christian Church and their families
When the appointed time on Friday came, David entered the sanctuary of the Christian Church accompanied by several families of the Presbyterian Church. The Elders of the Christian Church were already seated. David handed me a bulletin that he had carefully prepared showing the order of service. He handed a copy to everyone present. He read two passages of scripture and then asked me to preach on the meaning and importance of baptism. We then went to the baptistry and I asked, “David, do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God?” He answered with authority, “I do!” “I now baptize you in the name of the Father, The Son, and Holy Spirit for the remission of your sins and God will give to you the gift of the Holy Spirit”. I lowered him into the water and lifted him up to walk in newness of life. Unspeakable joy floods the face of every new Christian who comes up out of the water. For David it was no different. He was now a Christian. His sins were forgiven. He was raised to walk in newness of life. David was greeted and embraced by his Presbyterian leaders and the elders of First Christian Church.
Some people say that there is no place for the Restoration Movement in the 21st century, that there is no purpose in espousing the ideals of past generations based upon Biblical principals. In truth we must never forget the power of the Word of God and the simple Gospel message that transforms lives no matter what our background. People today are searching for truth and trying to find it based upon their feelings, wants, and personal desires. When you open your heart to the truth of God, there you will find the meaning and purpose for your life.
It was not long after David’s baptism that a young family wanted their baby baptized at the Presbyterian Church. David told them that in good conscience he could not baptize a baby because the Bible does not teach us to baptize infants. In the next several months that followed David resigned from the Presbyterian Church and moved to Kansas where he continued to preach from time to time and worked on a family farm. He never doubted his decision to be baptized or to serve the Lord with his life. Recently, upon hearing of David’s death, a tear ran down my face as I remembered the day he gave his life to Christ in baptism. My brother in Christ, who thought more about his commitment to the Word than the divisive battles being waged by a denomination, made a lasting impression on me and renewed my commitment to the validity of the Restoration Movement in this generation.
Paul D. Sisson
TREASURES FOR THE HEART 