David Bahn – Reflections

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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.”

Purposeful Peace

I’ve been here at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville, MO for the annual Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) Conference. There are about 400 participants: pastors, partners (the interesting term for pastors’ wives), presenters, mentors, and others who are here for  advanced leadership training for pastoral leaders around the world who are committed to lead God’s people to dynamically and internationally connect people to Jesus Christ.

St. John Lutheran Church - Ellisville, MO - © 2010 David Bahn
St. John Lutheran Church – Ellisville, MO – © 2010 David Bahn
St. John Lutheran Church - Ellisville, MO - © 2010 David Bahn
St. John Lutheran Church – Ellisville, MO – © 2010 David Bahn

John 20:19-23

On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, the doors being locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”

I’ve been living with this passage this week and have grown to appreciate the implication of Jesus’ greeting of “Peace.” It is more than a formality, or even a heart-felt greeting and wish. It is a gift. Peace! Jesus comes to his fear-imprisoned disciples with a greeting of peace rather than a frustrated expression of disappointment, resentment, or judgment. “Peace! [again!] As the Father has sent me I am sending you.” His peace is also purposeful: we are sent to the people around us not out of anxiety, frustration, resentment, bitterness, or even disappointment; but with a spirit of peace. Jesus has conquered death. He has sacrificed himself for our sins. We are sent from that foundation to bring that gift.

It’s been a very full week; PLI is an institute, not a retreat. The schedule is full, and even the fellowship time offers opportunity for ministry as the conference chaplain. I am so thankful for the peace of Jesus and pray that somehow I am able to live in that peace and embody that to the people God brings into my life and into whose lives he sends me. How about you? Do you have that peace? Are you seeking to be a person of peace in your family, at work, school, church – even at the gym? It’s a rare commodity these days; and a gift precious to receive and give.

I’ve been here at St. John Lutheran Church in Ellisville, MO for the annual Pastoral Leadership Institute (PLI) Conference. There are about 400 participants: pastors, partners (the interesting term for pastors’ wives), presenters, mentors, and others who are here for  advanced leadership training for pastoral leaders around the world who are committed to lead God’s people to dynamically and internationally connect people to Jesus Christ.

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2 responses to “Purposeful Peace”

  1. Joseph Coleman Avatar
    Joseph Coleman

    I couldn’t find your address or the service times to go to a service. Help!

    Reply
    1. dlbpandp Avatar
      dlbpandp

      Joseph,
      It is the day after Easter and I just saw this. We are located at Spring Cypress & Huffmeister in Cypress, Texas 77429. Services are at 8:15 & 11 each Sunday. We would love to have you join us.
      Jesus Christ is risen! Alleluia!

      David Bahn, Senior Pastor
      http://www.stjohn.tv

      Reply

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