I was sitting in church a few weeks ago, listening as six young adults shared their testimony and then proceeded to get baptized. There were tears running down my cheeks as I took in their stories. Baptism services have a way of getting the water works going, don’t they? There is something beautiful and powerful that moves us as we hear how people came to a place in their lives where they knew they needed to accept the love and forgiveness that Jesus offers them. Not only are we drawn into their story, but it also reminds us of our own. Yes, I wasn’t the only one wiping my eyes that morning.
On this particular Sunday, I was especially moved because I knew many details behind some of the stories being shared. You see, this is the same church where my husband served as pastor for over 25 years. He is no longer serving in that role now, but we continue to attend, although much more in the background now. But because of the history in this church, I was remembering the stories behind the stories that were being shared.
Baptism and personal stories
Many of those young men and women grew up in this church, and we had the privilege of knowing their parents when they were young teenagers themselves. Some of them were on the rebellious and edgy side. Faith wasn’t of much importance to them back then; but eventually, they met Jesus personally, and things began to change.
We saw them grow and mature. We did many of their weddings and stood beside them as they dedicated themselves and these very children to God, who were now taking this step of faith in baptism.
Some of these families have gone through heart-wrenching experiences that no parent ever wants: grief, mental illness, marital breakdowns, and so much more. In their brokenness, they limped along in the desire to be faithful, realizing that at times there are more questions than answers, and their children have witnessed this too. They lived through it, and it has shaped them.
So here they stood on this baptism Sunday, sharing how some of this pain affected them.
One young woman shared how she had to navigate her parents’ divorce. Dad began taking his little children to Sunday School and church in the aftermath of a marriage breakdown. This young woman, the oldest of the children, was taking this step of obedience on this Sunday morning. Jesus has brought life to this family, and it has been so beautiful to watch.
A young man recalled being thrust into the depths of grief at the loss of his brother, which led to pain that was deep and dark. But Jesus has met him in his pain, and this young man is forever changed. Hope is growing and new life has begun.
Another young man mentioned that he felt his story was “boring” because his family had not experienced significant trauma, yet he realized this is something to be grateful for. He also recognized his need to have his sins forgiven, that his faith needed to be his own, not mom and dad’s. He surrendered his heart to Jesus, and life has been growing and blossoming.
Baptism and ministry encouragement
Much of ministry life involves preparing for things to come: the next message series, another Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Bible study, putting agendas together for the next meeting. Picking out Sunday school material for the next year. Organizing youth programs and making sure enough help is in place. Crafting a visitation schedule. Vision meetings, budget planning, counselling appointments. All these things are part of church life, and they all serve a purpose. Planning is necessary and it becomes glaringly obvious and at times very frustrating when proper planning hasn’t happened.
Sometimes when we are waist-deep in the life of serving, it becomes difficult to see growth and transformation.
That is why I love baptism services. They provide space for us to look back and recognize the hand of God on the lives of those in our community and it helps us remember that same hand of God on our lives. It is hope-filled and celebratory. It reminds us why we do what we do, and how God uses all of it to continue to redeem and bring new life.
In our tradition, as the pastor begins to lower the person being baptized into the water, he makes this declaration: “Death to the old life.” Then, as he raises the person out of the water, he declares, “Life to the new!” At that point, the rest of us celebrate with applause, cheering on these fellow brothers and sisters in their walk of faith. It is a moment of great gratitude and excitement!
Baptism and resurrection joy
As I reflect on all that, it reminds me of another time when there was much excitement and celebration. This celebration was also birthed out of a time of deep pain and death, where hope was distant and there were many questions with few answers.
Jesus had just been crucified and buried, and his dearest followers were hurting deeply. They were confused and wondering what just happened. Then three days passed, and the celebrating began.
The two women found the tomb empty, and they were given the message from the angel that Jesus was indeed alive! Resurrection! Celebration! Excitement!
Today in real time, that same resurrection continues. We have new life, we have hope, and we celebrate with one another. As you serve through this Easter season, may you be reminded why you do what you do. May you take a moment to reflect on the work God has done in the lives of those whom he has entrusted to your care. May you also reflect on the work God has been doing in your own heart in the process.
When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.
Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.
(Ephesians 3:14-21 NLT)
