So Easter comes to us by way of tradition. There is no mention in the Bible of Easter or of lent. Having said that, some kind of yearly acknowledgement of the resurrection is an ancient church tradition. From what we can tell, observance was varied and different tradition streams developed quite early in church history.

My family Easter memories are very traditional…very Americana. We did the easter egg coloring and hunt, easter baskets, special easter dinner with guests, and of course, Sunday church to start it all off. I remember getting “decked out” with a tie and coat, hard shoes that did not bend with my feet, and even a hat with a feather when I was about five. I remember my little sister wearing gloves with a new purse. Wow. I can only imagine what it was like for my Mom to get us all to adorn our easter regalia properly. But…that was the tradition!

As Southern Baptists we have another Easter tradition. A special love offering taken at Easter for missions in North America is a regular part of Southern Baptist life. It is called the “Annie Armstrong Easter Offering" (you can read about Annie Armstrong here). When I first came on as pastor of FBC, this was a tradition I was not aware of but one that I could easily value. I had spend my entire adult life planting churches—so I already had passions in this direction. But in the past couple of years I have gained more personal insight to SBC church planting.

As a student at Midwestern Baptist Seminary here in Kansas City I have had the opportunity to meet some of the young people who are involved in church planting. Some of them are also students as they are planting churches (I can relate to this also—I did the same as a young church planter). Now, more than just aware of the Annie Armstrong offering, I am personally aware of and connected to those who are being supported to begin these works throughout North America. You may not have the same opportunity to meet them…but trust me, they inspire and fill me with a sense of hope that there is a next generation of leaders to carry the gospel torch: amazing, passionate, and brilliant young minds whose driving vision is the church of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

So sure, the Annie Armstrong offering is a tradition. But it is a good one. It is more than something to give to. It is our united mission in the world to proclaim the resurrected Christ.

Read about the mission supported by this offering to the North American Mission Board here.