Gone Too Soon

I haven’t read any of her books, but because I’m friends on facebook with so many clergy, especially female clergy, I’ve seen numerous quotes of hers over the last few years. When it was posted that Rachel Held Evans was in a medically-induced coma because of continuing seizures, I took note and prayed. When it was shared that she had died this past Saturday, I joined many in feeling shock and grief.

This woman has been known for many things - as one who challenged the evangelical establishment, who included and restored the dignity of those typically left out of the church, who provided a modern voice and made Christianity accessible to younger generations. Whether or not you agree with her theology, she has had a profound impact on the church of the 21st century. She is one of a few female voices I’ve encountered recently who are consistently creating a safe space to discuss the ins and outs of faith, to question (and question the status quo) and to model and make that kind of dialogue acceptable.

From the little that I’ve read of hers, I feel that I knew her and the heartbeat of her soul just a bit. At 37, it is a shocking loss not only to a world hungry for her kind of cut-to-the-quick yet gentle spiritual writing, but more heart-wrenchingly for her husband and young children. I’ve been moved by the immediate posts of sadness, grief and gratitude for her influence and impact. I’m motivated to find and read her books to get a fuller picture of her understanding of God and living that out faithfully and practically.

It is somehow appropriate that in this Easter season of new life and rebirth she has been raised up. There is no doubt in my mind that her work and words will live on far into this century and beyond, if we’re still here, and that her heart and example will continue. In this time of beginnings and resurrection, I wonder about who she will inspire to take up the mantel of social justice and church reform and refreshed exegesis in a way not currently filled. I wonder how we encourage the next Rachel Held Evans in our midst.

We are resurrection people, but we often live like the disciples hiding in that locked room in fear and holding on to each other and what and who we know, afraid to go outside. I have vivid memories of bringing up my own interpretations of scripture that were outside the box and getting a quick and strong response reminding me to stay in the lines. There are many people who feel unwelcome at the table, both in discourse and the Lord’s table, for many reasons. We are often more concerned with fulfilling the Great Commission by indoctrination rather than discipling, which honours the individual and allows for learning and growth.

As the church grows and each year encounters again the Easter Good News, we are encouraged to resurrect ourselves, to find new forms of being that resonate with people who are doubting, who are outside, who are seeking. And those people have much to teach and show us. They may even become the next Christian apologists and clergy and chaplains and composers of worship that speaks to us anew.

I lift up Rachel Held Evans today for her passion for the church and her courage in voicing her beliefs in ways that challenged the establishment and raised up the marginalized. She allowed God to use her to speak powerfully to people who needed inspiration and inclusion and insight. May we also dial in to the gifts that God has given us to live as resurrected people and to disciple others, and may we use these gifts to God’s glory for as long as we have life and breath on this earth.