It is with much dismay that I read on the cover of The Christian Index about a transfer of power from one generation to another. The article "Passing the Baton" is very timely, but where did the idea of transferring power originate? I have been preaching the Gospel for more than 40 years and I have yet to see where Jesus gave Christian leaders power over anyone else.

The Lord Jesus gave and gives power to all believers to live the Christian life and do the work of our Lord. But when did He start giving power to church and denominational leaders to be passed on to anyone?

Surely, this was a misstatement on the part of the writer. If not, and this is the mindset of our denominational leaders, we have ceased to be Southern Baptist. What this would make us I do not know, but certainly not Southern Baptist.

Isn't it time for us to forget about power and let the Lord Jesus Christ fill us with more love for Him and for each other? Isn't it time for true Christian leaders to start leading with love and example instead of trying to rule with intimidation? I certainly pray that this will become reality regardless of who holds leadership positions.