“Why We Have Mass Baptisms”

A mass baptism service is one of the greatest forms of celebration in the church.  Every year, our church celebrates “I Am Not Ashamed” Sunday, and on that day, after several weeks of preparation (this is not an easy-believism, wet-everybody-you-can kind of church), we baptize people who’ve come to faith and are ready to follow in immersion.  Why do we do this en masse?

1.  It’s biblical.  From the very beginning, baptisms of large numbers of people were commonplace.  “So then, those who received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about 3000 souls.”  Acts 2:41

2.  It’s powerful.  The very symbolism embodied in a baptism presents the death, burial and resurrection of Christ – and the believer identifying with Him.  When I baptize 100 people, I preach the Gospel 100 times.  That’s 100 stories, 100 lives, 100 families touched in some way – and many, many people celebrating their obedience.  It’s not unusual for a good number who simply attend the service to come under conviction and make a spiritual decision.

3.  It’s encouraging. When our many leaders see the people who’ve come to faith by the planting, watering and reaping of Gospel seeds, their work is validated (though we know we serve the Lord regardless the results).  Those who’ve prayed and planted rejoice!  Those who were part of that decision celebrate in new levels of gratitude.  It’s a time of high celebration!

4.  It’s bold.  We’re calling people to obey Christ.  So many have failed to take the baptism “first step” and we boldly call them to stand up for Christ and the Gospel by saying, “I am not ashamed!”  There’s something about that courageous call that God honors.

5.  It’s liberating.  Numbers of people have told me of the spiritual freedom they’ve had once they were immersed.  They’ve obeyed God and He always honors obedience!
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I challenge you (if you’re a pastor) to have a baptism Sunday. Pray it through, prepare your people, launch out in faith, and see how God will bless your leadership in this.  If you’ve never seen this, join First Euless on July 24 for our “I Am Not Ashamed” Sunday.  If you’re someone who needs to be baptized because you’ve haven’t done this since putting your faith in Christ – wait no longer.