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Suicide. According to the Oregon Health Authority, Suicide is the second leading cause of death among Oregonians ages 15-34, and the 8th leading cause of death among all Oregonians in 2010. The rate of suicide among Oregonians has been increasing since 2000. Suicide rates among adults ages 45-64 rose approximately 50 percent from 18.1 per 100,000 in 2000 to 27.1 per 100,000 in 2010. The rate increased more among women ages 45-64 than among men of the same age during the past 10 years. (http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/InjuryFatalityData/Documents/NVDRS/Suicide%20in%20Oregon%202012%20report.pdf)

We read reports such as the one I’ve quoted and wonder at the enormity of the problem. But when the phone rings and we are confronted with suicide among our community of faith the numbers become real. Frank Page, President of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention had successfully served as pastor of a large and influential church. He and his wife were transitioning into denominational leadership roles when a neighbor called to alert him that emergency medical people had raced to his daughter’s home in response to her self-inflicted death. As he writes, “We were not a family whose daughter kills herself.”

And yet Melissa’s death was real. In his recently released book, Melissa: A Father’s Lessons from a Daughter’s Suicide (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2013), Dr. Page describes in heartbreaking and honest detail the aftermath of Melissa’s death. He organizes his reflections around what he describes as “core truths and observations that have been instrumental in getting me this far in my healing journey.” 

Even walking with one family through this valley of the shadow of death would be one too many. However, the reality is that pastors and churches will likely have to walk with more than one family through such a perilous journey. Dr. Page’s honest reflections and observations are a priceless guide for such a journey. 

The book was written with several purposes in mind. First, Frank Page wants us to meet his daughter, Melissa. Though she is in heaven his father’s heart wants us to know her as he did- “She was delightful. She was difficult.” He also writes with an aim to help those who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. At the end of each chapter Dr. Page writes a personal letter to any who might be struggling. Finally, he writes to encourage others who are walking the same path as he and his family.

As one who has struggled most of my adult life with depression (and on occasion thoughts of suicide) I could hardly stop reading the book. Dr. Page’s style is personable and easy to follow. His honesty is compelling. Though I have only met him in a very formal setting I found myself reading the book as though Dr. Page and I were having a personal conversation. 

Chances are you know a family who has experienced a suicide. This book will open your eyes and heart to more fully understand the various stages that accompany such a dark season. The book will also remind you that our hope cannot be grounded in medical treatment- though there is a time and place for that. Our hope is ultimately grounded in the nature of God as He has revealed Himself in Christ. As you read this heart-wrenching account you will walk with the Page’s as they draw nearer to God and discover more of His grace and mercy to help in times of need (Heb 4:16).

The Calvinism Advisory Committee of the SBC released their report earlier this morning. You can read it here http://www.sbclife.org/Articles/2013/06/sla5.asp. I would encourage every pastor and church leader to read the report carefully. Here in the Northwest we have deliberately stayed away from doctrinal issues when we come together for our annual meetings. I like to tell SBC folks from other areas that we are so happy to see another Southern Baptist whenever we come together we just lay aside those issues that might divide. There is truth in that. Our convention leadership has worked diligently to create an annual meeting that is more about fellowship and encouragement than doctrinal issues over which we disagree.

However (and you knew that was coming…) we cannot ignore doctrine. I happen to be a Calvinist ( and yes I enjoyed Calvin and Hobbes as well). I meet with fellow evangelical pastors on a weekly basis who are most certainly NOT Calvinists (though I’m not certain about their feelings towards Calvin and Hobbes). We even discuss doctrinal issues from time and time and still love one another. One statement from the recently released document struck me

I am in Fort Worth TX on the campus of Southwestern Seminary this week for the Land Institute Summer Institute dealing with a biblical view of economic issues. We have listened to two presentations so far today. A couple of questions: are we truly engaged in our world if we fail to understand some of these most basic questions: Why do people act the way they do? What are the consequences of the choices we are making? 

I am more aware than ever of the life-altering impact of the gospel. The truth of what God has provided in Jesus Christ is so much more than merely where you will spend eternity. Too often when I present the gospel I fail to think through the full impact of the gospel on an individual’s life. Lord, help me carefully present the gospel and thoroughly follow up with a robust approach to discipleship that helps new believers assimilate all that You have done for us through the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

I had carpal tunnel surgery early Tuesday morning and am back in my study this morning. Still not driving…and learning to use my left hand alone for various tasks…typing slowly with both hands. I have learned a couple of things…Pain pills are a man’s best friend and even minor surgery takes time for recovery. I kind of thought I’d be feeling really good by Wednesday…Wrong! feeling ok today- and anxious to prepare for Sunday…looking forward to being with my people on friday night- annual spring banquet for our church folks…and sunday…always a great time with God’s people.

I recently remarked to a mentor that I think I’ve earned several post graduate degrees- one as a board member of Southern Seminary from 1993-2003; one in community organizing and facilitation since 2000; and another one in denominational planning and strategy since being elected president of the NWBC in 2011. 

This last learning experience has been rewarding and challenging. The rewards are many: meeting great pastors and church leaders across the Northwest; hearing the heart of NWBC staff people and their families; leading the process of discerning God’s man to come as our new Executive Director. 

This past Friday and Saturday I was with some of the students from our church at the NWBC Student Conference. Friday night as we were worshiping I was convicted that I was so immersed in the details of planning and leading that I was in danger of missing the majesty and greatness of our God. 

I think for most pastors and church leaders this is an ever present danger. Systems thinking, details are important as we plan and lead, but more importantly we need to take time to just be in awe of God and His majesty.

My prayer is to find ways to spend time in contemplating and meditating on the greatness of our God before I get lost again in the details!

God has opened some interesting doors for me in the past cou

It’s Saturday, the sun is shining and I am sitting inside preparing for an auction that my wife sends a significant amount of time investing in for our local high school booster club. A significant part or my life in invested in supporting her as she uses her gifts for decorating and organizing. As a leader- in the family and in the community there are few things I do that are as important as investing in others so that they can use their gifts and talents.