Each to his own

I have been a Georgia Baptist all my life, having been taken to church as a child by my parents. I was ordained as a pastor in October 1955 - this making 50 years, if I live to October, which I expect to do.

"Passing the Baton," in the June 23 issue of the Index, hits the nail on the head squarely.

My children like celebration worship including hand-clapping, band music, etc. I prefer traditional but can enjoy either.

The Rick Warren and Willow Creek models tell us that some moderns (under 40-45) are not reached by traditional evangelist styles. This is accurate to my experience.

While an interim chaplain in Florida, I attended a [contemporary] Baptist church where folks attend in "bathing suits," etc. This isn't for me but some like it.

Computer information and modern methods communicate to the age we are now in. It will only continue. Denominations of the 1850-1950s are not where our culture is. Religious structure is usually 30-40 years behind, I'm told by experts.

Write more about such issues. The time is right to call it like it is. I'm 69 and not likely to change that much. My kids, 42, 40 and 37 like my new style.