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One of the hardest races in track is the 4x100m relay. What makes the race so difficult is that it is not simply about running. It is also about coordination. Four runners must not only sprint a fast 100 meters, but they must smoothly hand off the baton to each other at each turn around the track. Even though the relay team members may be individually fast, if they botch the handoffs or drop the baton, the team will not win. To counteract this, the team must spend a significant amount of time not just perfecting their sprint, but measuring their steps, timing their starts with the incoming runner, jogging together in sequence, and practicing the command, “Stick!”
In our churches, we have rightly emphasized running the Christian race well. We want Christian leaders who finish strong and continually grow in Christ’s image. We want disciples who are faithful and consistently are “pressing on toward the prize” (Phil. 3:20). We encourage personal spiritual formation, discipleship, and leadership development. But an equal amount of time needs to be spent on the second piece: passing the baton of faith to the next generation.
Scripture is replete with passages about the importance of passing on the baton of faith. During the ritual of the Passover, children would ask their parents, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” providing an opportunity for parents to pass on the baton (Ex. 12:26). Moses prepared Israel for Canaan by explaining that they were to teach their children the commands of God regularly - when they sit, when they lie down, and when they get up - so they could pass on the baton (Deut. 6:1-9). The Psalmist recounts that the praises of the Lord are too good to be concealed, but rather should be declared to the next generation to pass on the baton (Ps. 78:1-5). The chilling book of Judges explains what happens when the baton is not passed: a generation grows up that does not know the Lord (Judg. 2:10). The apostle Paul, in his later years, urges Timothy to take the things that he had learned from Paul and pass them on to other faithful people who can teach others in order to pass on the baton (2 Tim. 2:2). Consistently, a key theme among the people of God was not just to run the race well, but to pass on the baton to the next generation for the Christian movement to continue.
And yet, often we notice signs among many current Christian families and churches of botched handoffs and dropped batons. Parents more invested in their children’s athletic careers than their spiritual development. Church leaders preoccupied with church issues rather than raising up future ministers and leaders. Ministries siloed from one another allowing little or no intergenerational connection. No wonder we continually hear stories of teenagers leaving the faith of their youth, minister shortages in the church, and fewer children in our pews. What can be done? The answer is found in reclaiming the priority of telling the next generation. It is not enough to just run our race well. How are we at passing the baton?
At Harding School of Theology, we exist to pass on the baton. We offer courses and degrees to train a new generation of Christian leaders. We guide emerging ministers for the leadership road ahead. But this year, we especially want to help churches to pass on the baton well. We want to encourage youth and children’s ministers, mentor young and emerging leaders, and inspire intergenerational engagement. It is time to think ahead, to the years ahead when current leaders will not be around. Who will lead? Who will emerge? Who will step forward? The answer to these dilemmas will be found in the Holy Spirit working through church to tell the next generation.
Dr. Steve Cloer
Assistant Professor of Ministry, Director of Doctor of Ministry Program
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