The Invitation

Matthew 4:17-20
From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” 20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

In March 2021, I was invited to preach at a Men's Gathering. It was there that I noticed an empty baptistry. The Spirit led me to challenge a few Pastor's to never preach without water in the baptistry.

A few weeks later, I preached the 1st night of a community revival for one of those Pastors. I asked the Pastor to make sure the baptistery was ready for baptisms. It was an evening many would never forget; 8 people came forward to be baptized that evening! Over 25 people would be baptized that week alone, and almost a year later, they are still baptizing people.

3 Pastors took my challenge to never preach with an empty baptistry serious. Yep, you guessed it, all 3 of those churches have seen an increase in baptisms.

Practically, it takes hours to fill a baptistry. If there is no water, then there is no opportunity. A full baptistry gives you the ability to call people to repentance and obedience.  

Scripturally, we see this with John the Baptist, The Apostle Paul, and many more preachers.

It's incredible how many Pastors don't invite people to profess their faith via Baptism. Maybe they see Baptism as a finish line? Something a person does when they have been saved a while and cleaned up their life.

I would argue that every Baptism in scripture is spontaneous, which would mean that the Bible views Baptism as a starting line instead of a finish line.

Another tip God has shown me is to ask, "Who is Next?" Each time I baptize someone, I ask, "Who is Next?" Who in this room has been on the broad path for a season, repented, and is now ready to let others know they are following Jesus? Then just shut up and wait. Count to 90 in your head if you need to but give people time to respond. Give the Spirit time to work.

To preach with a full baptistry, have clothes and towels ready, and invite people to respond is an act of faith. I believe God honors that faith. After all, when we step onto the platform God has given us and open his word, shouldn't we expect people to respond? I do. 

If this has been helpful to you, then please share it with others. If you have questions I would love to discuss this topic with you. Click here to schedule a time to talk