Baptism services are one of my favorite worship experiences. There's something wonderful about seeing and hearing people give testimony about their faith in Jesus. It's also a neat opportunity to renew my own committment to walking as Jesus walked.
Last night, we baptized 7 people, including 2 elementary students, 3 teens, and 2 adults. Over 100 people participated in the service that included singing, prayer, Scripture and, of course, baptism.
One of the things that attracted me to the Church of the United Brethren in Christ is the stand on baptism. What is that stand? Simple. Baptize. No rules on how, where or when. Just the simple instruction to baptize.
I have always enjoyed the wonderful freedom to explain the symbolism of the different modes (sprinkling, pouring, immersing) and allowing individuals to choose for themselves which option they prefer. But last night was a first.
One of the people being baptized asked for all three modes to be used. She desired to be sprinkled in the name of the Father, symbolizing the way God has showered His grace on her. She desired to be poured in the name of the Son, symbolizing the way Jesus' blood has washed away her sin. And she desired to be immersed in the name of the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the way she has been raised to a new life throught the power of the Holy Spirit.
My first reaction was not favorable. My immediate reaction was that it seemed to be a bit excessive. You know...like when a receiver spikes the ball in the endzone in a defenders face. But I got to thinking...is it possible to excessively celebrate baptism? And if you're not celebrating excessively then, when will you.
So that's what I did. It was odd. It was wonderful. I'm so glad she suggested it. Who knows, may she will begin a new tradition at Prince Street Church.
This morning, our Ministry Assistant was filling out our report forms. The form asks which mode of baptism was used. There was no blank for "all of the above". So we just checked all three spaces. Cool.
Want to see some pictures of the service? As soon as I figure out how to do it, I'll post some here on my blog.
1 comment:
If this shows up twice, it's because I wrote it twice:
Thank you for inviting me to last night's baptismal service.
Wow! I was so blessed; it was beautiful! As I looked into the face of each child of God as he or she responded, "Jesus is my Savior" to the question, "Why do you want to be baptized?" I felt the humility, security, and privilege of being a child of God myself. I knew I wanted to attend the service last evening to support those being baptized, but little did I know of the blessing that was in store for me. I was moved particularly by the crossing on the forehead embracing each as a Child of God. I prayed and will continue to pray for each who experienced baptism last evening, and will also continue to pray for the unsaved in my life who do not yet know they need Jesus. In witnessing the love, humility, passion, and celebration within this service, I am strengthened to step out more boldly for Christ and for those who do not yet know Him. Thank you for your passion in serving Christ.
JP
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