We will finish up the week with three more ideas to help your ministry maximize the momentum created by student baptisms:
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CELEBRATE!
Baptisms are worth celebrating, no matter what the style or tradition of your church. Jesus defeated death! Clap, cheer, gather everyone to sing FRIDAY by Rebecca Black. OK, that’s a horrible singing idea… but you get the picture. Include the church body and surround the baptizing student with people of all ages. Baptism is a public commitment that can be enhanced when surrounded by the church community. Consider getting a small gift for each student who is baptized…even if it’s as simple as a short handwritten note.
FOLLOW UP
Remember, baptism is just one step in the spiritual journey with Jesus. As youth workers, we believe in the spiritual growth process and know that there’s a lot more to follow in that teenager’s life. Put the baptism date on your calendar so you can follow up with some encouragement and prayer a month later and even a year (our track-record is that if it doesn’t make it onto the calendar, it usually doesn’t happen). Keep in mind their next spiritual step, which may be joining a small group or serving in a ministry team. If discipleship was a one-time event, it would be a lot easier.
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DEAL OF THE MONTH: $25 for $25 – Get a $25 Group Magazine Subscription
& YOU ALSO Get a $25 gift card to SimplyYouthMinistry.com
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HELP THEM TELL THEIR STORY
There is a lot of power in the story of a changed life! Personal stories have great impact and can become a tremendous blessing when shared with others. Baptism is a great opportunity to have students share their faith story. Help them articulate their life-change story so they can share it both at the time of baptism and any other time. They don’t need to memorize a formula, they only need to be intentional about discovering the important parts of their story.