Handrails

Written and Preached by: James Salsgiver, 11/26/2000

In spite of the title, this will not be a speech on architectural features of our building. It might better have been entitled “The Handrail Generation.” That is what it is about, or better still, “The Faith of the Handrail Generation.” I will lay out the parts and then try to put them together.

There are many handrails in our building. Each flight of stairs to the second floor, each flight of stairs to the fellowship hall, the entrance to the sanctuary from Mulberry Street; all have handrails. They are in public buildings and many other places. They come in a variety of shapes and are made of various materials, from simple pipes to elaborate carved wooden creations. They all serve one purpose: to provide balance and support to one holding them.

Those of you of my generation recall that most homes built prior to World War II were multiple stories, and one of their features was an open staircase; generally an attractive feature of the entryway of the home. This staircase often featured an elaborate handrail called a balustrade or banister. This was generally cleaned and polished regularly, and it made a dandy place to slide down. A newel post anchored the bottom and could make sliding somewhat abrupt.

Some of you, because of your age, are barely conscious of the presence of such devices. Others of us hesitate to ascend or descend a slight flight of stairs that doesn’t have a handrail.

This morning, I reached the chancel area by coming through the sacristy, where there is a railing. I have declined to serve for some time if it involved the act of going up or down the chancel stairs. Donna, in kind invitation for me to speak this morning, pointed out that was not necessary.

I sat here in the sanctuary last Sunday as the children were invited to join in their special worship time. I saw them hurrying down the aisle and on to the chancel. I completely missed the fact that there were steps there. Then I watched the choir at times and noticed some of those folks turning their feet parallel to the steps to be more secure in their footing.

A few days ago, I was at the mall. I had left my car at the auto dealer’s to have it serviced. I was to call them when I finished walking so they could pick me up. When I finished, I went to call. If you are familiar with the mall, you know that at each end of the main concourse there is a “passion pit” with phones in it. But it is three steps down and has no rail. I could not muster enough nerve to go down, and finally went to the customer service counter and asked the lady there to call the Ford dealer. She did.

So much for that one. Next, consider the scripture for this morning. The key word is faith. In this instance, Jesus accuses His disciples of a lack of faith.
(Luke 8:22)

In Matthew are two other instances I would like to refer to:

• Matthew 14:25 – Jesus walks on water (Peter)
• Matthew 9:20 – A woman healed, and Jesus remarks that her faith has made her whole.

Our congregation is at a crossroads. I think about this as a point where we must choose new pastoral leadership, and I think we need to determine where we want to go from the intersection and seek that kind of leader.

A few years ago, we appointed a committee for a study of our needs and values. That group formulated a mission statement which outlined what seemed to be our church’s purpose in existing. This was submitted to the folks and adopted by a near unanimous vote. Certainly I feel this is where we need to start. Do we have the faith to commit ourselves to that covenant we made with each other? To do so will require us to have faith, love, and trust in each other to come together to serve.

A few weeks ago, Dale Hatch was leading the worship and he asked us to come forward in a way of coming together, and I believe he mentioned the same need I did in different words.

Finally, part four. Here I will try to put the elements together. I mentioned a crossroad, but for this morning I would like to consider a different example.

Picture all of us standing outside the door at the foot of the steps leading to the first floor. Looking up the stairway, all of a sudden a sign on the door to the chapel lights up and indicates that this is the entrance to a happy future for our church. The younger people hurry up the steps, and then look back and see us older ones and feel that we aren’t interested in what they feel is progress and kind of dismiss us.

The truth is, at least in my case, I need the security of a handrail. In this case, that handrail is called a reasonable chance of success. I think most of us would be willing to rejoice with what you share; what you think gives that reasonable assurance. I can only speak for myself, but I am speaking from more than 50 years of active participation in the Second Christian Church. Whatever road we take from the crossroads, the same reasoning applies for me.

This ends The Parable of the Handrails.

And what I seek isn’t a guarantee. But since we are all going to share in what happens, I think we should all have a reasonable feeling that we can succeed.

We need us all, and we need all of us going in one direction, even though we move at different speeds.

We need both the enthusiasm of youth and the experience of age, and the knowledge that there is quite a difference between them in many ways. And that is why we need handrails.

We need something to provide the sense of security that I have tried to convey to you this morning.

Summary & Key Themes:

“Handrails” uses the everyday image of a handrail to teach a deeper truth about faith, courage, and the need for steady support as we grow. In the original context, Mr. Salsgiver spoke about a church facing a leadership transition. For Unleashed by Faith, the message becomes even broader: men cannot walk strong, courageous, God-honoring lives alone. Every man needs spiritual handrails (biblical truth, brotherhood, accountability, and purpose) to steady his steps as he grows into who God calls him to be.

Unleashed by Faith exists to call men forward, but not recklessly. Strength is not blind charging. It is boldness anchored in wisdom. It is progress that honors both conviction and stability. The enthusiasm of new believers and the hard-won wisdom of seasoned men are not at odds; they are the two rails that keep a man from drifting into pride on one side or fear on the other.

This message speaks directly to our mission:

• Men need a path upward, but they also need support.
• Men move at different speeds. Some rush up the stairs, others advance slowly and carefully, but all are walking toward the same goal; to become the men God designed them to be.
• Strength requires stability. The handrail represents the structure men need: Scripture, spiritual discipline, mentorship, and the encouragement of brothers who refuse to let each other fall.
• Faith bridges generations. Youth brings energy. Older men bring experience. Faith gained through the Word unites these strengths, forming a brotherhood that refuses to leave anyone behind.

Just as Mr. Salsgiver concluded that a congregation needs both courage and support to walk into the future, we must hold the same conviction: men become unstoppable not by charging ahead alone but by gripping the handrails God provides. Truth, brotherhood, and Christ-centered purpose are handrails that do not limit us. They unleash us.

Scripture Focus:

• Luke 8:22 – Jesus calms the storm, rebuking His disciples for lack of faith.
• Matthew 14:25 – Peter walks on water and learns to trust.
• Matthew 9:20 – The woman healed by faith.