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.”

More New and Old Treasures

Matthew 13:51-52

[Jesus said,] “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Pastor David Schultz (right) serves Holy Communion at opening service of LCMS Convention
Pastor David Schultz (right) serves Holy Communion at opening service of LCMS Convention. (From LCMS Website Photos)

In what was a stunning turn of events yesterday at the 64th Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod, President Gerald B. Kieschnick was not re-elected for a fourth term as President of our church body. Rev. Matthew C. Harrison was elected on the first ballot, gaining 54% of the vote. No one expected this. Since I am the on stage assistant for President Kieschnick, I was very disappointed by the election. My heart goes out to President Kieschnick and Terry, his wife.

But there is a new treasure that comes from the God’s grace in the person of Matthew C. Harrison. He is a new treasure: God’s chosen leader for our church body. It takes not only a large reservoir of churchmanship to say this, but the work of God’s grace in my heart. Thankfully I am not alone here. There are many who will love and respect President-elect Harrison and seek his support and encouragement as our newly elected president.

But this is more than a matter of elections, personalities, friendships, and even church bodies. God is constantly at work in our lives. He is forever breaking into our world and showing up. The time has come, the kingdom of God is at hand. What are we to do? Repent and believe the Gospel! (cf. Mark 1:14-15)

The gospel message to us is the ever renewing work of God’s Holy Spirit in our hearts and lives. We trust Him and look for ways to bring forth the new treasures that we discover and thank God for the old treasures we also have had for some time.

I must now learn to treasure this new gift of God in the person of Matthew C. Harrison. I am deeply thankful for the gift of God, and dear friend, Gerald B. Kieschnick. Thanks be to God!

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