Freewheeling Blog: When the Methodist PK Caused a Ruckus at the Baptist Altar Call

In the small towns where I grew up, you could always rely on three churches to be present: The United Methodist, the Baptist, and the Catholic.

Even though I was the Methodist preacher's kid (or PK), it wasn't unusual for me to visit the Baptist church now and then. They would sponsor different events for their youth and invite others to join them. One of the memorable visits in my high school town of Poteet, Texas, was when the Baptists sponsored a Valentine's dance. I realize Baptists and dancing don't always go together, but that's what happened, and it was fun.

Sometime during my senior year, I was invited to a Baptist youth worship service on a Sunday evening. This came at a time when I was wrestling with God. I wanted to know God's purpose for my life as I was soon leaving home.

At the service, I felt these questions welling up within me during the altar call. I don't know exactly what was said - perhaps "Come down if you want to talk with somebody" - but I found myself walking from the back down the aisle to the altar area.

Now, you have to understand how visible a preacher's kid is in a small town. And how startling it would have been to see the Methodist PK filing down for a Baptist altar call. I could feel eyes upon me, could sense their gasps. "Is he joining the Baptist church? Is he about to get baptized here?" But I didn't care. I wanted answers.

Perhaps I also wanted a different voice. When your father is also your pastor, you're always hearing the same voice on so many topics.

The best way I can explain what next happened was an interception. The Baptist pastor met me as soon as I reached the railing and whisked me into a side room. "What's going on?" Pastor Jerry asked me.

I tried to explain what was on my heart. I don't recall what I asked him or how he responded. I do recall that he let my dad know about our conversation before I even reached home.

Months later, I asked Pastor Jerry to write a general recommendation letter that I could use for scholarship and internship applications. I hope I still have a copy of it somewhere, since it was a beautifully written endorsement. The line that has always stuck with me and inspired me was, "I recommend Cecil for any task he feels capable of doing."

Except joining a Baptist altar call. In my role as the Methodist PK, Pastor Jerry would probably not recommend that.

Cecil Taylor Ministries is a cross-denominational ministry with a mission to teach Christians how to live a seven-day practical faith. Please explore all that we offer your faith journey and your church at CecilTaylorMinistries. com.