My Treasure

For the last couple of weeks I have been studying a real treasure trove for me. I was loaned an almost complete set of Our Life Together. This was the newsletter (mini-magazine) of the First Baptist Church of Chula Vista from 1973-1982. It was also the voice of the American Baptist Charismatic Fellowship. At its peak it had a circulation of over 3500 in the US, England, Sweden, Denmark, Zaire, New Zealand and Australia. For two years, it was weekly, for several more years, it was every two weeks and for the rest of the time it was monthly. The writing was of much higher quality than might have been expected. It is also of some historical significance; Oral Roberts University has a complete set and Bethel Theological Seminary (San Diego) has a partial set.

Why is this a treasure to me? First, it brings back a lot of memories. I lived the life described in its pages. I wrote many of the articles – and was mentioned in many others. Second, I am in the process of writing a book about First Baptist Church of Chula Vista from 1964-1987. The book is actually centered on the years 1970-1982 which almost exactly coincides with the dates OLT was published.

Why would I want to write such a book? The church has historical significance for three basic reasons:

The Charismatic Renewal – First Baptist was one of the earliest Baptist churches involved in the renewal. Ken Pagaard, the pastor was one of the earliest Baptist Pastors to become involved. He was one of the founders and leaders of the denominational movement. Because of this, he became an internationally know speaker and teacher.

The Jesus People Movement – The church was one of the first churches in Southern California to be really involved with this movement along with Calvary Chapel. There were 750 baptisms in a relatively small church from January 1970-June 1971.

Communal Living – The church had 13 homes with about 180 people living communally at its peak. The ministry of the church was widespread. Of course, so was its notoriety.

Are you going to publish this book? I hope so, but even if not published, I think it is important to document this period. I was in a unique place to observe and participate in this life. I was a member of the community; I actually lived with the Pagaards for 7 years. I served as Choir Director, Minister of Music, Pastoral Assistant, Guest Master of the Community, Elder, Counselor, Acting Pastor, Co-Pastor and Senior Pastor (not all concurrently). I love the church and am proud of being a part of this historic period. Pray for me that the book is well done; it deserves it.