A common concern among Southern Baptists is our decline in both the number of baptisms and the ratio of members to baptisms over the past decades. The data indicates a significant problem. How do we reverse this trend and baptize more people?
The most frequent suggestions, including much of my writing and speaking on this issue, has focused on improving our evangelistic effectiveness. To be sure, that is an ever-present challenge as we continually strive to communicate the gospel effectively to as many people as possible. But lately, another problem seems to be contributing to the decline of baptisms. We seem to have a growing reluctance to call people to baptism as a public act of Christian obedience and discipleship.
That last sentence was hard to write. As a lifelong Baptist, with a historic appreciation for what it means to be a Baptist, it is hard to admit some Baptists are devaluing baptism. Our martyred forefathers would be chagrined by this digression. Here are some observations on how we are minimizing baptism.
When baptism is featured in a worship service, the explanations for doing it often sound more like an apology than a confession—“baptism does not save you, baptism does not wash away your sins, baptism does not make you a Christian, baptism does not make you a member of our church, etc.” In addition, baptism is often presented as optional for believers, an act that can be handled privately to avoid embarrassment, and certainly not a prerequisite for church membership. To be clear, baptism is a necessary discipleship step, is a public declaration, and is essential to maintain a confessional membership. In addition, and to my surprise, more and more Baptist pastors are asking me about accepting the baptism of people who practice some mode other than immersion after a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. My answer is, and will be, no!
Another practice that devalues baptism is failing to call people—clearly and often—to be baptized as an obedient response to a public invitation in a worship service. It struck me recently how infrequently pastors extend a public invitation and specifically include “come publicly and request baptism” as part of the appeal. Baptism—not signing a covenant or being introduced publicly—is the defining public declaration of Christian faith. People must be called to obey in this way.
Another devaluing habit is holding a baptismal service only once or twice per year—because it is more convenient to do it that way rather than deal with the hassle more frequently. This one really puzzles me. When I was a pastor, we took the opposite approach. We tried to do baptisms in as many services as possible. Yes, it was cumbersome to fill the baptistery, do the clothing changes, and clean up after only one person—but it was worth it. Nothing declares the need and importance of baptism like a baptism. When people see it, they are brought face-to-face with this reality—they either have or have not experienced what they have just seen. Another great thing about frequent baptisms is the joy they bring to service—including seeing many friends and family come for the moment. Many unbelievers, while they may not understand everything about baptism, know it’s important and will come to support a friend or family member who is being baptized—thus hearing the gospel and seeing it portrayed through baptism.
Enough about the negative. Next week, in part two of this blog, we will consider some positive steps your church can take to re-emphasize baptism as the essential Christian practice it is intended to be.
Read More
Excerpt – John Piper, Calvinism, and Missions: A Way Forward
Read this section of Dr. Hopkins’ new book on the theology of John Piper.
Owning Up to the Failures of our Theological Heroes
What can be done when you discover the sins of historical figures who have shaped your theology?
Listen
Revelation Chapters 17-18
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 17 and 18, focusing on the symbolic representation of Babylon. They explore the chiasm structure, highlighting the introduction and judgment of key adversaries like the dragon, the beast, and Babylon.
Revelation Chapters 15-16
Dr. Stewart and Tyler discuss Revelation 15 and 16, focusing on the seven bowl judgments. They delve into the symbolic nature of the bowls, their connection to the trumpets, and the intensification of God’s wrath. Dr. Stewart highlights the direct involvement of God i
Watch
Jonathan Edwards and the Asbury Revival
Chris Chun and Chris Woznicki discuss the signs of true revival, signs of the work of the Holy Spirit, and why it is important to critically assess the characteristics of revival in a spirit of charity.
Jonathan Edwards and the Baptists | Douglas Sweeney, Nathan Finn and Chris Chun
Dr. Douglas Sweeney and Dr. Nathan Finn joined Dr. Chris Chun for a panel discussion on Jonathan Edwards, recorded live at the SBC Annual Meeting in Anaheim.