It is with much dismay I read a reponse (Power given to all) in the Index concerning the cover story entitled "Passing the Baton." The writer stated he had been preaching for 40 years and never seen where transfer of power comes from.

Well, I must be missing something because I see many places in the Bible where God allowed the transfering of leadership. One glaring example is when Moses transfers the leadership of Israel to Joshua (Dueteronomy 34:9). If the Bible doesn't teach transitional leadership then how did we get to today? I think it wise for each generation to mentor and train younger leaders to take the helm, sustaining the work done by that generation.

If Passing the Baton is about power then I for one would not be interested in seeing any transition at all. I do believe young leaders (or whatever you call them) are not seeking power, but involvement.

The boomer and buster generations were workers. They liked to see things done through committees and teams. The new generations coming along aren't interested in the organization as much as the organism. In other words, "Let's get it done!"

We can talk about it, plan it, vote on it, organize it, committee it, rework it, present it, and maybe one day do it. The generations coming behind us says "Forget all that, let's do it!"

This causes many Southern Baptists conflicts because "We've never done it that way before." I do believe that Passing the Baton is about allowing younger leaders to share in the future direction and decisions that will affect our churches in the coming years.

The most pressing question to answer on this issue is why? Why is it important to pass the baton? Why should young leaders be encouraged to participate? Why should the convention allow a transistion in its leadership?

The answer is simple: DEATH. There has never been and I don't believe there will ever be an organization that exists forever. We live in an ever-changing world that demands new and innovative ideas for survival. If those who are leading now do not mentor others to take their leadership roles then what happens when they are gone? Now, by mentoring I do not mean cookie cutter training, but true disciple making that includes allowing each individual to become what God made them to be.

That might mean a younger leader will wear jeans and flip-flops, but what's the big deal? The best I can tell Jesus didn't wear closed-toe shoes. During many conversations with leaders both young and old I have found common ground talking about the weakening and decline of the Southern Baptist Convention (sorry, for the surprise). The numbers from the last few years tell us that we aren't getting it done. My guess would be if the convention doesn't encourage and challenge younger leaders to take part in the Convention's future, maybe there won't be a need in 15-20 years.

To those of you who feel "Passing the Baton" is not necessary I ask for your consideration. Take a look at your church - what is the average age? Take a look at your next associational meeting - what is the average age? What will be the average age at next year's Convention? Our churches, association and Convention are getting older; where are the young people? If we do not allow younger leaders to take part, it just might be that we will never see our children and their children and their children in church.

I am not sure I am willing to pay that price.