If you’ve been in church for a while, you’re probably pretty familiar with the phrase “In the name of the Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit”. Those words are used in several different contexts, but we probably hear them most when seeing someone be baptized. Our mission statement at The Fount cites Matthew 28:19 saying, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Often we think of making disciples and baptizing people as the result of evangelism to the right person at the right time. Alternatively, we might try using apologetics to change someone’s mind about the origins of the universe or the veracity of the claims about Jesus in the Bible. In many cases we think of this as something to leave to the professional pastors while we just show up on Sunday morning.

These are ways that people may come into their faith, but I would propose that many Christians today don’t feel well equipped for those methods. I know in my own life I have often been unsuccessful leading people to Christ with my words, and there have been lots of words. This past Sunday, however, was an amazing blessing to me. I was able to witness the baptism of five people who I believe God has put into my life.

During the early months of the pandemic, it was clear to me that kids were losing out more than almost anyone else. Schools closed, parks closed, beaches closed and no access to friends meant a very isolated time. Opening the church for Knights of Agon meant that kids had a place to be kids. Although we spent time talking about God and His plan for their lives this was mostly a time to play. There were times where I wondered, “Am I doing enough? Teaching enough? Playing too much?” When I took it to prayer, I continued to feel led to stay the course, find teachable moments and deepen relationships. Over the years one family in particular held a place in my heart. Injuries, health issues and loss of loved ones continued to make life hard for this mom and her two kids. I prayed for them often and wondered, “will they have a relationship with Christ or just keep coming here to play?” Although I didn’t baptize anyone myself, this Sunday I was blessed to see them baptized at the Free Life service! So, I say “play ‘In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.’”

One of the most terrifying things a person can do is raise children. In today’s world especially, even the best and most competent parents can lose their children to the lies of the world. Confusion and anxiety seem to be the norm for children today. Almost nothing is certain for them with everything changing from moment to moment. I frequently have doubts that I’ll do a good job as a dad. I do take solace knowing that God loves my kids more than I do. So, I continue on, doing the best I can to live a life devoted to Christ and call my kids into it with me. Although I didn’t baptize anyone myself, this past Sunday I was blessed to see my first-born son baptized into the family of Christ. So, I say “parent ‘In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.’”

We all have them, but how often do we know what to do with them anymore? I’m talking about neighbors. In Mark 12:30-31 Jesus calls us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves, but our culture has made that more and more difficult. Many of us see our neighbors and give a quick hello but never get beyond that. We don’t hear each other’s stories or share what’s really important to us. We’ve been in that boat, coming home each day wiped out and without the energy to be a neighbor. We’ve been extremely fortunate to have connected with a ministry called Apartment Life which has empowered and enabled us to become the neighbor’s we’ve always wanted to be. Through that ministry we were fortunate to meet some neighbors named Krystal, Barry and their daughter Ally. After a few conversations with them we discovered that Krystal had a desire to be baptized though she didn’t really know what that meant. We suggested they join us at church, and they’ve been regular attenders at Free Life for several months now. Although I didn’t baptize anyone myself, this past Sunday I was blessed to see our neighbor Krystal baptized at Free Life. So, I say “be a neighbor ‘In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.’”

There may only be one baptism event performed by a pastor, but all of us can find ways to love people “In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.