Last Sunday we allowed for an opportunity for people to respond during our services spontaneously without pre-planning; baptism with little preparation, and for most, no option of a change of clothing. At last count we think 64 people responded. I’ve been doing some thinking about what happened Sunday. Although there were many dynamics at play, one of the things that I have been thinking about is what it meant for someone getting baptized in this way.
There is something very powerful, almost counter-culture, about getting wet and messy in front of others. There is something very freeing about going against the social pressures of always being put-together, in control, neat and tidy. For the participant, being baptized like this had to be a symbol of "letting go" of many things. Witnessing people who were willing to get wet in the very clothes they wore to church (with no change of clothes available) was a great example of surrender, abandon and a release from not only the fear of taking a public step of faith but also a liberation from some of our very own American social constraints.
I can’t think of another social gathering where someone would intentionally choose to get completely wet, realizing it meant staying wet in front of others, in the parking lot, in the car and all the way home.
I think there is something within all of us that feels enslaved to some degree by our appearance. To some, Sunday may have felt a little reckless, foolish, and a little out-of-control. I personally welcome it. It goes against the grain of our American preoccupation with appearance. Hair, clothing and make-up – all become distant secondary concerns to the decision of “taking the plunge.” What an incredible experience to witness!
Sunday evening for us was inspiring and heart warming. Our culture at this critical point in time is in need of more "stand up" people like them. Making that commitment as they have is awesome.
Posted by: Jerry Paul | January 08, 2007 at 09:57 AM
The services and the flood of people was just incredible . To see so many people respond to the invitation was very moving to me.
Posted by: Paul Foster | January 08, 2007 at 10:09 AM
All I can say is that I totally feel privileged to have been a part of what God is doing by witnessing those 64 baptisms. Praise God!
Posted by: tj | January 08, 2007 at 01:50 PM
My eyes still fill with tears today as I think about yesterday and how God moved in so many hearts. I agree with TJ what a priviledge to witness this. I was so touched since my friend was one that "spontaneously" went up 1st service. Dennis is right, it is a surrendering in so many ways. I believe God has so much planned for our church in 2007. Thank you to all who are willing to listen and do what God asks even if it's "a little reckless, foolish, and a little out-of-control" in the eyes of some. To those 64 and many of their family and friends, it's just want God had planned.
Posted by: Debbie | January 08, 2007 at 04:19 PM
All I can say is Sunday was Awesome!!! I have never been so touched and so overwhelmed with the spirit. To see people come forth and be baptized in their clothes was just amazing. I am so grateful that I was able to witness this.
Posted by: Jodi | January 08, 2007 at 08:27 PM
What an awesome service! Talk about WANTING to invite friends and family to Abundant Life... WOW! That will get people wanting others to come experience what we experienced yesterday! It was all the talk around my school today, and many didn't attend but they had heard from friends that were at one of the services yesterday. Isn't that awesome how God spreads His goodness quickly? It was touching moments and I'm so happy to have been in the front row! :)
Posted by: Lisa Sargent | January 08, 2007 at 11:19 PM
This opportunity was amazing and I think it was awesome to see what God does when we follow what His word says. The choices that were made truly inspired me to preach the good news! God's blessing is so amazing over Abundant Life and I pray that we continue to be Christ's ambassadors to this community.
Posted by: David Long | January 23, 2007 at 10:22 PM
While the plunge happened almost two months ago, i am now just reading this entry.
Knowing that Abundant Life is on fire and awesome stuff continues to happen is so very encouraging. I truly cannot but smile as i write from the Other Coast.
Yeah, Jesus is pretty darn cool and how can we not but love Him, want Him and smile with Him?
Emily
Posted by: Emily Main | March 07, 2007 at 09:00 AM