David Bahn – Reflections

Light from the Word and through the lens

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In 1968 Jerry Snell opened a door in the hallway outside our first hour chemistry class. He invited me into what I discovered was a darkroom. Soon I was on the school newspaper and annual staff as a photographer. Later I learned that Jerry was a Lutheran who was planning to become a pastor. A few years later I was not only a Lutheran, but I was heading off to seminary to become a Lutheran pastor, too. Jerry followed a year later and served as a pastor in Missouri until his untimely heart attack and death. I thank God for Jerry and enjoy photography still today – not to mention rejoicing in having served as a Lutheran pastor in congregations in Utah, Colorado, Arkansas and Texas. I’ve retired now and serve part time as a Congregational Support Specialist for the Texas District of the LCMS. I also provide coaching and leadership training through various PLI cohorts and with individual congregations and organizations. David Bahn is a follower of Jesus Christ, husband to Diane, father and grandfather. He is an avid amateur photographer. His photo website is “Flowers by God Photos by David” He also publishes a devotional blog DavidBahn-Reflections.com. He and Diane live in Cypress Texas and enjoy visiting their grandchildren who live in the United States and Germany. He graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary in 1979, and earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in 1991. Diane, his wife, is now retired from PLI (PLIleadership.org). They have offered presentations on Marriage and Ministry Partnership, Leadership, Changing Your Congregation’s Culture, and Missional Living. They look are working with PLI International training pastors and wives of the ELVD Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Tanzania. David’s personal mission statement is “Leading people to realize Jesus’ calling and plans for their lives.”

Where’s the party?

Matthew 9:10-11

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. 11And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"Night Lights" © 2010 David Bahn
"Night Lights" © 2010 David Bahn

It’s no wonder the Pharisees comment about Jesus’ party associates. They wondered why they weren’t part of the party. They didn’t have my problem; they thought that they should be at the party! Their question might better be asked, “Why isn’t Jesus partying with us? We’re the ones who have all the religious capital. We’re the ones who are important. We’re the ones who can make things happen.

But Jesus came to seek the lost. He was where he needed to be. And, quite frankly, the Pharisees didn’t really want what Jesus had. They wanted to set the agenda and be seen as the center of attention. They didn’t want forgiveness. They didn’t want to repent. They didn’t need a Savior in their own minds. They didn’t want to associate with sinners(!). How lost they were.

When I was in junior high school I had a pool party. We lived at the motel my parents owned and operated and we had a pool; I was actually envied by some of the kids for that. No matter; I had no popularity of my own (so I thought); it was all about the pool. So at my party, I sat with my aunt and another of the adults there while the kids frolicked and enjoyed the pool. When the time came for the dance, I watched. I didn’t think I could take part in that!

Today, thankfully, I’ve discovered a new place in the social realm. I am more comfortable in my own skin. The adolescent insecurities have been replaced with more subtle and sophisticated ones! But one thing for sure; I’ll gladly go to any party where Jesus is guest and associate with any of the people who are drawn to him. There’s a party at our church today and every Sunday, and Jesus is the guest of honor. Want to join me there? I’d be happy to be with you there!

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