Missional Monday - Baptism

We have been looking at the Great Commission and recognizing the imperative, the command, for all disciples to be involved in "making disciples of all nations."  We have also been looking at the participles, the "ing" verbs, for directions about what that should look like.  Last week, we looked at "going," which bring us to the verb "baptizing," this week.

There is a lot that could be said about the term baptism, but the very least I think that we must recognize baptism as a symbolic and public declaration of faith in the triune God; Father Son and Holy Spirit.  As Paul indicates in Romans 6, baptism is an apt symbol of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and indicates a believer's participation with Christ, dying to our old self, buried, and raised to walk in newness of life.  Baptism is thus indicative of the conversion experience.   In short, baptism indicates, and makes public, the reality of a changed life that comes through faith in Christ.  By baptism one identifies with both Christ and thus the community of Christ followers.

If anyone has read much of what is on this blog or spent any time with me, it would be obvious that I am leery of evangelism "programs," quick sells of the gospel or attempts to "get people saved."  I favour a more wholistic approach that focuses on "making disciples," engaging more deeply.  That being said, however, if the above paragraph indicates how I understand baptism and Jesus saw fit to include it in the Great Commission then lets be clear, evangelism, bringing people to the point of "making a decision for Christ," or conversion, is very much included in this larger wholistic picture.  The fact is that this is one of the least socially unacceptable, most offensive and thus most challenging or uncomfortable parts of disciple making.  This might be especially true for younger generations who have grown up in a pluralistic, post modern context.  The reality is, however, if we do not see this as a significant part of our mission, we are not living out the mission of God in our lives.

We don't convert people, John chapter 16 helps us to see that only the Spirit at work in someones life can bring conviction.  What we are called to do is to participate with God and be ready to be used in any way He sees fit.  This will likely include helping people see the need to make a decision regarding Christ.   We must, however, strive to do so with gentleness, respect and love.