Baptism Sunday: 7 Unique Ideas

Baptism is one of the most significant Baptism is one of the most significant moments in a [music] person's faith moments in a [music] person's faith moments in a [music] person's faith journey. It is symbolic. It is powerful. journey. It is symbolic. It is powerful. journey. It is symbolic. It is powerful. And it's something you'll never forget. And it's something you'll never forget. And it's something you'll never forget. Like, just think about it for a moment. Like, just think about it for a moment. Like, just think about it for a moment. Where were you baptized? Was your family Where were you baptized? Was your family Where were you baptized? Was your family there? What [music] do you remember from there? What [music] do you remember from there? What [music] do you remember from that day? Today, we're giving you seven that day? Today, we're giving you seven that day? Today, we're giving you seven unique ideas to make your next baptism unique ideas to make your next baptism unique ideas to make your next baptism Sunday unforgettable. Not just for the Sunday unforgettable. Not just for the Sunday unforgettable. Not just for the people that are being baptized, [music] people that are being baptized, [music] people that are being baptized, [music] but the entire congregation as well. but the entire congregation as well. but the entire congregation as well. Let's get dumped. Let's get dumped. Let's get dumped. >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the >> Well, hey there and welcome to the ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help ProChurch Tool Show. We're here to help you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest you and your church navigate the biggest communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm communication shift in 500 years. I'm Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as Brady Sheerer, your host. I'm joined as always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop always by my co-host. We call him Bishop Baptism. It's Alexander Mills. Hello. Baptism. It's Alexander Mills. Hello. Baptism. It's Alexander Mills. Hello. Hello. Hello. Hello. >> Brief bit of framing to emphasize the >> Brief bit of framing to emphasize the >> Brief bit of framing to emphasize the importance of baptism. Not the importance of baptism. Not the importance of baptism. Not the theological importance. We know that. theological importance. We know that. theological importance. We know that. But the importance in the context of all But the importance in the context of all But the importance in the context of all these unique ideas that we're these unique ideas that we're these unique ideas that we're describing. Number one, baptism is describing. Number one, baptism is describing. Number one, baptism is inherently visual, which is distinct inherently visual, which is distinct inherently visual, which is distinct from much of the programming that's from much of the programming that's from much of the programming that's happening in the typical Sunday service, happening in the typical Sunday service, happening in the typical Sunday service, which is, you know, a world of screens which is, you know, a world of screens which is, you know, a world of screens and words and sitting in pews and and words and sitting in pews and and words and sitting in pews and listening to what is being said.

listening to what is being said. listening to what is being said. >> Baptism is physical. Someone goes down, >> Baptism is physical. Someone goes down, >> Baptism is physical. Someone goes down, >> someone comes up. >> someone comes up. >> someone comes up. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Unique, different. Okay. It is the >> Unique, different. Okay. It is the >> Unique, different. Okay. It is the ultimate testimony. Second, every person ultimate testimony. Second, every person ultimate testimony. Second, every person in the water, they have a story. It is in the water, they have a story. It is in the water, they have a story. It is the gospel being lived out in real time. the gospel being lived out in real time. the gospel being lived out in real time. It is a climactic moment of one who is It is a climactic moment of one who is It is a climactic moment of one who is dead in their sin being brought to life dead in their sin being brought to life dead in their sin being brought to life through Jesus Christ. Number three, it through Jesus Christ. Number three, it through Jesus Christ. Number three, it creates emotional peaks. There is creates emotional peaks. There is creates emotional peaks. There is anticipation, there's celebration, anticipation, there's celebration, anticipation, there's celebration, tears, sometimes joy, tears, sometimes joy, tears, sometimes joy, >> ceremony, right? >> ceremony, right? >> ceremony, right? >> Right. Absolutely. And then number four, >> Right. Absolutely. And then number four, >> Right. Absolutely. And then number four, it is an invitation moment. Now, it is an invitation moment. Now, it is an invitation moment. Now, >> what do you think about when you think >> what do you think about when you think >> what do you think about when you think about invitation moments? Easter, about invitation moments? Easter, about invitation moments? Easter, Christmas, those are on the schedule, Christmas, those are on the schedule, Christmas, those are on the schedule, not in your control, not in your control, not in your control, >> right? an invitation moment for baptism. >> right? an invitation moment for baptism. >> right? an invitation moment for baptism. What happens? People bring their What happens? People bring their What happens? People bring their families. They come to celebrate with families. They come to celebrate with families. They come to celebrate with them. them. them. >> Often that's the only time those people >> Often that's the only time those people >> Often that's the only time those people come into the church. In fact, I would come into the church. In fact, I would come into the church. In fact, I would say that say that say that >> there's a lot of people who would never >> there's a lot of people who would never >> there's a lot of people who would never come to Easter or Christmas because come to Easter or Christmas because come to Easter or Christmas because they're not like, oh, they're not like, oh, they're not like, oh, >> the type of cultural Christian who just >> the type of cultural Christian who just >> the type of cultural Christian who just shows up twice a year. They would never shows up twice a year. They would never shows up twice a year. They would never go, but they love their family and they go, but they love their family and they go, but they love their family and they would show up to support them.

would show up to support them. would show up to support them. >> So, let's talk through a number of >> So, let's talk through a number of >> So, let's talk through a number of unique ideas. is the first one is the unique ideas. is the first one is the unique ideas. is the first one is the video testimony and we're going to talk video testimony and we're going to talk video testimony and we're going to talk about some different nuances for doing about some different nuances for doing about some different nuances for doing this. Obviously, the great thing about a this. Obviously, the great thing about a this. Obviously, the great thing about a video testimony is that you are able to video testimony is that you are able to video testimony is that you are able to tell a person's story. Now, I would say tell a person's story. Now, I would say tell a person's story. Now, I would say this usually works best when you don't this usually works best when you don't this usually works best when you don't have like more than five baptism have like more than five baptism have like more than five baptism candidates. candidates. candidates. >> Sure, you do this and it's like, oh, we >> Sure, you do this and it's like, oh, we >> Sure, you do this and it's like, oh, we got a 3 to 5 minute video for each got a 3 to 5 minute video for each got a 3 to 5 minute video for each person and and suddenly they start to person and and suddenly they start to person and and suddenly they start to lose their momentum and the lose their momentum and the lose their momentum and the >> service starts to drag a little bit. So, >> service starts to drag a little bit. So, >> service starts to drag a little bit. So, one alternative to this, and I still one alternative to this, and I still one alternative to this, and I still probably wouldn't do this if I had more probably wouldn't do this if I had more probably wouldn't do this if I had more than like, you know, half a dozen or so than like, you know, half a dozen or so than like, you know, half a dozen or so people being baptized, is a 60se people being baptized, is a 60se people being baptized, is a 60se secondond version where you ask just one secondond version where you ask just one secondond version where you ask just one question. And this is perhaps the unique question. And this is perhaps the unique question. And this is perhaps the unique idea if you heard us kick off this list idea if you heard us kick off this list idea if you heard us kick off this list with a video testimony. Oh, wow. with a video testimony. Oh, wow. with a video testimony. Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. [laughter] Really, really >> Oh, wow. [laughter] Really, really >> Oh, wow. [laughter] Really, really changing the game here. Oh, yeah. Okay. changing the game here. Oh, yeah. Okay. changing the game here. Oh, yeah. Okay. Yeah. Here. I am second. Remember that? Yeah. Here. I am second. Remember that? Yeah. Here. I am second. Remember that? It's like 20 years old at this point. U It's like 20 years old at this point. U It's like 20 years old at this point. U by the way, church um emailed me the by the way, church um emailed me the by the way, church um emailed me the other day and and their URL was other day and and their URL was other day and and their URL was second.org. second.org. second.org. How'd they get that? Ah, and and and and How'd they get that? Ah, and and and and How'd they get that? Ah, and and and and you know, we talked about the email you know, we talked about the email you know, we talked about the email sending back.

sending back. sending back. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Right. So, >> Right. So, >> Right. So, >> I say, "Hey, say, you know, hey Brady," >> I say, "Hey, say, you know, hey Brady," >> I say, "Hey, say, you know, hey Brady," and then I'll reply. This guy writes, and then I'll reply. This guy writes, and then I'll reply. This guy writes, "Hey, Brady, don't feel like you need to "Hey, Brady, don't feel like you need to "Hey, Brady, don't feel like you need to respond." And I said, "Well, I'm respond." And I said, "Well, I'm respond." And I said, "Well, I'm obviously watching going to respond so obviously watching going to respond so obviously watching going to respond so much harder." much harder." much harder." >> Yeah. [laughter] And then I go to >> Yeah. [laughter] And then I go to >> Yeah. [laughter] And then I go to respond and because he had mentioned respond and because he had mentioned respond and because he had mentioned that, I'm like paying special attention that, I'm like paying special attention that, I'm like paying special attention to his emails like second.org. And my to his emails like second.org. And my to his emails like second.org. And my first thought was like, "Oh, is this first thought was like, "Oh, is this first thought was like, "Oh, is this like I am second? I can't imagine a like I am second? I can't imagine a like I am second? I can't imagine a church had this." No, it was a church. church had this." No, it was a church. church had this." No, it was a church. It was like second temple of the Lord. It was like second temple of the Lord. It was like second temple of the Lord. Sure. Sure. Sure. >> Yeah. So, look it up. Second.org. Great >> Yeah. So, look it up. Second.org. Great >> Yeah. So, look it up. Second.org. Great domain. domain. domain. >> Amazing domain. Great. Great for them. >> Amazing domain. Great. Great for them. >> Amazing domain. Great. Great for them. So, [laughter] uh, the 60cond version, So, [laughter] uh, the 60cond version, So, [laughter] uh, the 60cond version, you ask one question. The question is, you ask one question. The question is, you ask one question. The question is, what's the moment everything changed for what's the moment everything changed for what's the moment everything changed for you? What's the moment everything you? What's the moment everything you? What's the moment everything changed for you? I like leading in with changed for you? I like leading in with changed for you? I like leading in with this question because people then this question because people then this question because people then respond in the middle of the story, respond in the middle of the story, respond in the middle of the story, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> And that's really important if you're >> And that's really important if you're >> And that's really important if you're doing a 60-second version of a video doing a 60-second version of a video doing a 60-second version of a video testimony. testimony. testimony. >> Do you think it's fine to do these >> Do you think it's fine to do these >> Do you think it's fine to do these lowfi, like shoot it on an iPhone? lowfi, like shoot it on an iPhone? lowfi, like shoot it on an iPhone? >> Oh, yeah. For sure. Yeah. Especially >> Oh, yeah. For sure. Yeah. Especially >> Oh, yeah. For sure. Yeah. Especially when they're 60 seconds. when they're 60 seconds. when they're 60 seconds. You don't need to be tremendously novel. You don't need to be tremendously novel. You don't need to be tremendously novel. If you do that, what's the moment If you do that, what's the moment If you do that, what's the moment everything changed for you? They jump everything changed for you? They jump everything changed for you? They jump right into it. Right.

It's emotional. It's personal to them. It's emotional. It's personal to them. And it's open-ended. And it's open-ended. And it's open-ended. >> And it's also likely it's going to >> And it's also likely it's going to >> And it's also likely it's going to intersect with your church. intersect with your church. intersect with your church. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. Like a moment that happened at >> Right. Like a moment that happened at >> Right. Like a moment that happened at your church. So that's encouraging for your church. So that's encouraging for your church. So that's encouraging for everyone who belongs to the faith everyone who belongs to the faith everyone who belongs to the faith family. It's like, "Oh yeah, this is why family. It's like, "Oh yeah, this is why family. It's like, "Oh yeah, this is why we do this. This is why we show up every we do this. This is why we show up every we do this. This is why we show up every Sunday. This is why I show up early to Sunday. This is why I show up early to Sunday. This is why I show up early to stack chairs because I see all of this stack chairs because I see all of this stack chairs because I see all of this work paid off in the story of this work paid off in the story of this work paid off in the story of this person who said their life changed in a person who said their life changed in a person who said their life changed in a service or in a small group or in service or in a small group or in service or in a small group or in something that our church had to do something that our church had to do something that our church had to do with. with. with. >> Yeah. And someone could answer that >> Yeah. And someone could answer that >> Yeah. And someone could answer that question. What's the moment everything question. What's the moment everything question. What's the moment everything changed for you by telling the part of changed for you by telling the part of changed for you by telling the part of their story where they were at their their story where they were at their their story where they were at their lowest? lowest? lowest? >> They could tell their story when it's at >> They could tell their story when it's at >> They could tell their story when it's at the highest. Oh, it changed for me when the highest. Oh, it changed for me when the highest. Oh, it changed for me when I finally X, Y, and Z. And that's where I finally X, Y, and Z. And that's where I finally X, Y, and Z. And that's where I discovered Jesus or committed my life I discovered Jesus or committed my life I discovered Jesus or committed my life to Christ or decided to abandon what was to Christ or decided to abandon what was to Christ or decided to abandon what was old and embrace what was new. What's old and embrace what was new. What's old and embrace what was new. What's also good about this is, okay, yes, I also good about this is, okay, yes, I also good about this is, okay, yes, I understand the video testimony is always understand the video testimony is always understand the video testimony is always a bit more work upfront, but you can a bit more work upfront, but you can a bit more work upfront, but you can then repurpose it on social media. You then repurpose it on social media. You then repurpose it on social media. You can then use it for the next time can then use it for the next time can then use it for the next time baptisms come around as like a story baptisms come around as like a story baptisms come around as like a story from the past where someone can see from the past where someone can see from the past where someone can see themselves in a person who was already themselves in a person who was already themselves in a person who was already baptized.

baptized. baptized. >> Yeah. Someone who hasn't decided if they >> Yeah. Someone who hasn't decided if they >> Yeah. Someone who hasn't decided if they want to be baptized yet or not. want to be baptized yet or not. want to be baptized yet or not. >> Yeah. And then that's what pushes them >> Yeah. And then that's what pushes them >> Yeah. And then that's what pushes them over the line. The other thing that you over the line. The other thing that you over the line. The other thing that you can do, and this would be like a can do, and this would be like a can do, and this would be like a creative version of this, is when you're creative version of this, is when you're creative version of this, is when you're doing like a montage, doing like a montage, doing like a montage, do like this in parallel where someone do like this in parallel where someone do like this in parallel where someone is describing them at that moment where is describing them at that moment where is describing them at that moment where they're at their lowest they're at their lowest they're at their lowest >> and there's like a split screen or an >> and there's like a split screen or an >> and there's like a split screen or an overlay of some point where then you're overlay of some point where then you're overlay of some point where then you're paralleling that with them coming out of paralleling that with them coming out of paralleling that with them coming out of the water. the water. the water. >> And so they're describing them at their >> And so they're describing them at their >> And so they're describing them at their lowest while you're seeing them at a lowest while you're seeing them at a lowest while you're seeing them at a moment they're being reborn. moment they're being reborn. moment they're being reborn. >> Yeah. Wow. >> Yeah. Wow. >> Yeah. Wow. >> Nice ju position. Mhm. >> Nice ju position. Mhm. >> Nice ju position. Mhm. >> Idea number two, >> Idea number two, >> Idea number two, >> this is the family participation moment. >> this is the family participation moment. >> this is the family participation moment. So, the baptism candidate here brings So, the baptism candidate here brings So, the baptism candidate here brings one person with them up to the tank, up one person with them up to the tank, up one person with them up to the tank, up to the to the to the >> ocean, whatever it might be. >> ocean, whatever it might be. >> ocean, whatever it might be. >> And you of course have the pastor who is >> And you of course have the pastor who is >> And you of course have the pastor who is initiating the baptism, Pastor Alex, initiating the baptism, Pastor Alex, initiating the baptism, Pastor Alex, >> Bishop Baptism, as he calls himself on >> Bishop Baptism, as he calls himself on >> Bishop Baptism, as he calls himself on the days where [laughter] his church the days where [laughter] his church the days where [laughter] his church celebrates baptism. Hi there, I'm celebrates baptism. Hi there, I'm celebrates baptism. Hi there, I'm >> They call me Bishop Baptism. [laughter] >> They call me Bishop Baptism. [laughter] >> They call me Bishop Baptism. [laughter] So, Pastor Alex is the one who is, you So, Pastor Alex is the one who is, you So, Pastor Alex is the one who is, you know, dunking. And then imagine like, know, dunking. And then imagine like, know, dunking. And then imagine like, you know, the person comes up and then you know, the person comes up and then you know, the person comes up and then the person who's handing them the towel the person who's handing them the towel the person who's handing them the towel is not the associate pastor, is not like is not the associate pastor, is not like is not the associate pastor, is not like the person who's helping out and the person who's helping out and the person who's helping out and volunteering. It's their person.

volunteering. It's their person. volunteering. It's their person. >> And I think what makes this great is >> And I think what makes this great is >> And I think what makes this great is that that that >> it like has where the family is >> it like has where the family is >> it like has where the family is finishing the moment with an embrace. finishing the moment with an embrace. finishing the moment with an embrace. Symbolically, that's saying like, Symbolically, that's saying like, Symbolically, that's saying like, "Welcome to the family of faith." Right. "Welcome to the family of faith." Right. "Welcome to the family of faith." Right. Wow. Pastor Alex, he's weeping right Wow. Pastor Alex, he's weeping right Wow. Pastor Alex, he's weeping right now. now. now. >> It's beautiful. >> It's beautiful. >> It's beautiful. >> It is. And for the person coming under >> It is. And for the person coming under >> It is. And for the person coming under the water, I think it's really the water, I think it's really the water, I think it's really comforting too. comforting too. comforting too. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Totally. >> Because there is nothing probably in the >> Because there is nothing probably in the >> Because there is nothing probably in the Christian faith more vulnerable than Christian faith more vulnerable than Christian faith more vulnerable than baptism. baptism. baptism. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like maybe confession where you like do >> Like maybe confession where you like do >> Like maybe confession where you like do that youth group thing where you go up that youth group thing where you go up that youth group thing where you go up and tell everyone what you've been doing and tell everyone what you've been doing and tell everyone what you've been doing wrong. wrong. wrong. >> But like most baptisms are done at the >> But like most baptisms are done at the >> But like most baptisms are done at the front of the church or if you're doing front of the church or if you're doing front of the church or if you're doing it like lakeside, everyone's on the it like lakeside, everyone's on the it like lakeside, everyone's on the shore just kind of looking at you. shore just kind of looking at you. shore just kind of looking at you. You're the center of attention. You're You're the center of attention. You're You're the center of attention. You're coming up cold and wet coming up cold and wet coming up cold and wet >> and yeah, really vulnerable. And you've >> and yeah, really vulnerable. And you've >> and yeah, really vulnerable. And you've got you are the center of attention. got you are the center of attention. got you are the center of attention. everyone's you've got everyone's everyone's you've got everyone's everyone's you've got everyone's attention and they're going to receive attention and they're going to receive attention and they're going to receive you very likely, you know, any baptism you very likely, you know, any baptism you very likely, you know, any baptism I've been a part of with like boisterous I've been a part of with like boisterous I've been a part of with like boisterous cheer and applause. It can be it can be cheer and applause. It can be it can be cheer and applause. It can be it can be a lot because you're also going through a lot because you're also going through a lot because you're also going through your own individual experience of it at your own individual experience of it at your own individual experience of it at the same time. So to come up out of the the same time. So to come up out of the the same time. So to come up out of the waters and see immediately proximate to waters and see immediately proximate to waters and see immediately proximate to you someone who feels safe um could be you someone who feels safe um could be you someone who feels safe um could be really comforting for you too as well.

really comforting for you too as well. really comforting for you too as well. I've done this a bit of a remix on this I've done this a bit of a remix on this I've done this a bit of a remix on this um in some baptisms that I facilitated um in some baptisms that I facilitated um in some baptisms that I facilitated where yeah I as as the pastor like am am where yeah I as as the pastor like am am where yeah I as as the pastor like am am officiating the the baptism but in some officiating the the baptism but in some officiating the the baptism but in some cases like um a family member or a cases like um a family member or a cases like um a family member or a friend or we baptized some kids from our friend or we baptized some kids from our friend or we baptized some kids from our youth group and so their youth uh leader youth group and so their youth uh leader youth group and so their youth uh leader came up and was just on the other side came up and was just on the other side came up and was just on the other side and we did like a double double dunk as and we did like a double double dunk as and we did like a double double dunk as I like to call it. I like to call it. I like to call it. >> Um you know like like we both we both >> Um you know like like we both we both >> Um you know like like we both we both officiated the the dunking and so they officiated the the dunking and so they officiated the the dunking and so they actually got to participate in the actually got to participate in the actually got to participate in the laying down and the raising up. Um, so laying down and the raising up. Um, so laying down and the raising up. Um, so any way you can look to involve a a any way you can look to involve a a any way you can look to involve a a family member or a friend or someone family member or a friend or someone family member or a friend or someone who's been significant in the the faith who's been significant in the the faith who's been significant in the the faith journey that's brought the baptismal journey that's brought the baptismal journey that's brought the baptismal candidate to this point, it can be candidate to this point, it can be candidate to this point, it can be meaningful for everyone. meaningful for everyone. meaningful for everyone. >> Yeah. You come out of the water and then >> Yeah. You come out of the water and then >> Yeah. You come out of the water and then you see your sister, your mother, your you see your sister, your mother, your you see your sister, your mother, your friend who was the one that invited you friend who was the one that invited you friend who was the one that invited you to church, brings like the whole story to church, brings like the whole story to church, brings like the whole story together for that person in that moment. together for that person in that moment. together for that person in that moment. It's also useful for the congregation. It's also useful for the congregation. It's also useful for the congregation. If you were resistant to the previous If you were resistant to the previous If you were resistant to the previous idea of like the video testimony because idea of like the video testimony because idea of like the video testimony because of the production work that goes into it of the production work that goes into it of the production work that goes into it or you don't feel especially skilled or or you don't feel especially skilled or or you don't feel especially skilled or you've seen them done before but they you've seen them done before but they you've seen them done before but they didn't quite hit as much as you hoped didn't quite hit as much as you hoped didn't quite hit as much as you hoped they would. A simple they would. A simple they would. A simple >> hey this is Trish. She's do joined today >> hey this is Trish. She's do joined today >> hey this is Trish. She's do joined today by her mom Hannah. Okay. If I'm in the by her mom Hannah. Okay. If I'm in the by her mom Hannah. Okay. If I'm in the congregation I see that and I go oh okay congregation I see that and I go oh okay congregation I see that and I go oh okay and maybe you add one more extra line.

and maybe you add one more extra line. and maybe you add one more extra line. You know this is Trish. She's joined by You know this is Trish. She's joined by You know this is Trish. She's joined by her friend Jennifer who was the one who her friend Jennifer who was the one who her friend Jennifer who was the one who invited her to church. Okay. That took invited her to church. Okay. That took invited her to church. Okay. That took four seconds. And now me, the person in four seconds. And now me, the person in four seconds. And now me, the person in the congregation, maybe I don't know the congregation, maybe I don't know the congregation, maybe I don't know Trish or maybe I've seen her around Trish or maybe I've seen her around Trish or maybe I've seen her around church a little bit. Now I have context church a little bit. Now I have context church a little bit. Now I have context for her journey and who this other for her journey and who this other for her journey and who this other person is, how much more meaningful it person is, how much more meaningful it person is, how much more meaningful it is now for the congregation as well. is now for the congregation as well. is now for the congregation as well. >> Moving on. Idea number three. >> Moving on. Idea number three. >> Moving on. Idea number three. >> Moving on. >> Moving on. >> Moving on. >> The live photo moment. >> The live photo moment. >> The live photo moment. >> So we capture the the moments of uh >> So we capture the the moments of uh >> So we capture the the moments of uh baptism with photography. Nothing baptism with photography. Nothing baptism with photography. Nothing inherently unique or novel about that. inherently unique or novel about that. inherently unique or novel about that. That does get back to the earlier idea That does get back to the earlier idea That does get back to the earlier idea of like this is this physical moment and of like this is this physical moment and of like this is this physical moment and that's what makes the photography so that's what makes the photography so that's what makes the photography so powerful. Yeah. Um couple of quick notes powerful. Yeah. Um couple of quick notes powerful. Yeah. Um couple of quick notes before we get into the variance or the before we get into the variance or the before we get into the variance or the the the the variety the difference of the the the variety the difference of the the the variety the difference of how we would approach this. When you're how we would approach this. When you're how we would approach this. When you're taking these photos you want to be taking these photos you want to be taking these photos you want to be shooting with a high shutter speed shooting with a high shutter speed shooting with a high shutter speed >> because there is like a lot of water >> because there is like a lot of water >> because there is like a lot of water beads in the air. beads in the air. beads in the air. >> You want to be able to capture that >> You want to be able to capture that >> You want to be able to capture that moment with crispness. If you're moment with crispness. If you're moment with crispness. If you're shooting at a normal shutter speed, shooting at a normal shutter speed, shooting at a normal shutter speed, you'll get a lot of motion blur and you'll get a lot of motion blur and you'll get a lot of motion blur and perhaps you won't capture what feels perhaps you won't capture what feels perhaps you won't capture what feels like that moment and like hold it like that moment and like hold it like that moment and like hold it forever in time.

forever in time. forever in time. >> And then uh the second thing is shoot in >> And then uh the second thing is shoot in >> And then uh the second thing is shoot in burst mode because it's happening quick. burst mode because it's happening quick. burst mode because it's happening quick. Someone's coming out of the water and if Someone's coming out of the water and if Someone's coming out of the water and if you shoot just like one or two, you you shoot just like one or two, you you shoot just like one or two, you might get a really unflattering look on might get a really unflattering look on might get a really unflattering look on their face. their face. their face. >> Get as many frames as you can. >> Get as many frames as you can. >> Get as many frames as you can. >> No one's ever looked flattering coming >> No one's ever looked flattering coming >> No one's ever looked flattering coming out of the water [laughter] to be fair. out of the water [laughter] to be fair. out of the water [laughter] to be fair. Um, so but you're likely to get on burst Um, so but you're likely to get on burst Um, so but you're likely to get on burst mode, you're likely to get some photos mode, you're likely to get some photos mode, you're likely to get some photos that look like, you know, this person is that look like, you know, this person is that look like, you know, this person is near drowning coming up and then that near drowning coming up and then that near drowning coming up and then that you'll probably get some some smiles or you'll probably get some some smiles or you'll probably get some some smiles or some exuberance as well, but promotional some exuberance as well, but promotional some exuberance as well, but promotional graphic down the is that person getting graphic down the is that person getting graphic down the is that person getting waterboarded? No, [laughter] waterboarded? No, [laughter] waterboarded? No, [laughter] >> that does not look like something I want >> that does not look like something I want >> that does not look like something I want to opt into. Yeah, to opt into. Yeah, to opt into. Yeah, >> this is the climactic moment of the >> this is the climactic moment of the >> this is the climactic moment of the Christian faith. Okay, if you say so. Christian faith. Okay, if you say so. Christian faith. Okay, if you say so. So, what would we do differently? We So, what would we do differently? We So, what would we do differently? We talked about this with our unique ideas talked about this with our unique ideas talked about this with our unique ideas for Easter a couple of episodes ago, for Easter a couple of episodes ago, for Easter a couple of episodes ago, which was which was which was >> get make sure that the person who >> get make sure that the person who >> get make sure that the person who participated in this gets the photo that participated in this gets the photo that participated in this gets the photo that day. day. day. >> Okay. How do you pull that off? So, you >> Okay. How do you pull that off? So, you >> Okay. How do you pull that off? So, you can print the photo. It's not hard to can print the photo. It's not hard to can print the photo. It's not hard to like get a printer or a type of thing like get a printer or a type of thing like get a printer or a type of thing that can print it [clears throat] in the that can print it [clears throat] in the that can print it [clears throat] in the moment. Um, if you didn't even have like moment. Um, if you didn't even have like moment. Um, if you didn't even have like a fancy printer, you could get one of a fancy printer, you could get one of a fancy printer, you could get one of those cameras that you know, one of those cameras that you know, one of those cameras that you know, one of those cheap ones on Amazon's like the those cheap ones on Amazon's like the those cheap ones on Amazon's like the Polaroids. And maybe you don't do it Polaroids. And maybe you don't do it Polaroids. And maybe you don't do it when they're in the water. Um, when they're in the water. Um, when they're in the water. Um, >> but you get you get a picture of them at >> but you get you get a picture of them at >> but you get you get a picture of them at some point that day some point that day some point that day >> with their friend, right? Or with their >> with their friend, right? Or with their >> with their friend, right? Or with their mom or sister, whoever brought them and mom or sister, whoever brought them and mom or sister, whoever brought them and you know, one of them is in the towel you know, one of them is in the towel you know, one of them is in the towel and they're smiling together. So that and they're smiling together. So that and they're smiling together. So that way they have a physical thing.

way they have a physical thing. way they have a physical thing. >> The digital version is useful too, >> The digital version is useful too, >> The digital version is useful too, though. And if you go this route and though. And if you go this route and though. And if you go this route and forego the physical, forego the physical, forego the physical, >> make sure they get the digital version >> make sure they get the digital version >> make sure they get the digital version that day because then they get a that day because then they get a that day because then they get a keepsake for it. It's really meaningful keepsake for it. It's really meaningful keepsake for it. It's really meaningful to them in that moment. Everyone saw it to them in that moment. Everyone saw it to them in that moment. Everyone saw it >> except them. Now they have that right >> except them. Now they have that right >> except them. Now they have that right away. And it's likely because it's so away. And it's likely because it's so away. And it's likely because it's so fresh in their mind that they're going fresh in their mind that they're going fresh in their mind that they're going to publish it on their own socials. And to publish it on their own socials. And to publish it on their own socials. And this is not the reason you do it, but a this is not the reason you do it, but a this is not the reason you do it, but a nice benefit of it is now you're getting nice benefit of it is now you're getting nice benefit of it is now you're getting a bit of organic reach and the work of a bit of organic reach and the work of a bit of organic reach and the work of the church is being spread not through the church is being spread not through the church is being spread not through your official channels, but through the your official channels, but through the your official channels, but through the channels of the people that are being channels of the people that are being channels of the people that are being part of the ministry that's taking part of the ministry that's taking part of the ministry that's taking place. place. place. >> Yeah. Baptis baptism in in and of itself >> Yeah. Baptis baptism in in and of itself >> Yeah. Baptis baptism in in and of itself is we said it already is a is is a means is we said it already is a is is a means is we said it already is a is is a means of testimony. Like it's a testimonial of testimony. Like it's a testimonial of testimony. Like it's a testimonial act. So, in any way that you can empower act. So, in any way that you can empower act. So, in any way that you can empower someone to share their testimony uh with someone to share their testimony uh with someone to share their testimony uh with their community, their online community, their community, their online community, their community, their online community, their friends from high school who their friends from high school who their friends from high school who didn't even know that they were going to didn't even know that they were going to didn't even know that they were going to church, you get them a photo same day church, you get them a photo same day church, you get them a photo same day and they they they post that online and they they they post that online and they they they post that online because they're proud that they've because they're proud that they've because they're proud that they've they've committed or recommitted their they've committed or recommitted their they've committed or recommitted their life to Jesus. That's that's enabling life to Jesus. That's that's enabling life to Jesus. That's that's enabling them to share their testimony way that them to share their testimony way that them to share their testimony way that maybe they wouldn't have otherwise done maybe they wouldn't have otherwise done maybe they wouldn't have otherwise done if you didn't hit them with that photo if you didn't hit them with that photo if you didn't hit them with that photo same day.

same day. same day. >> And they're probably not going to share >> And they're probably not going to share >> And they're probably not going to share like that 60-second video, right? like that 60-second video, right? like that 60-second video, right? >> Uh but like a photo that's very >> Uh but like a photo that's very >> Uh but like a photo that's very meaningful and that would totally be meaningful and that would totally be meaningful and that would totally be sharable. Uh, the fourth idea may be my sharable. Uh, the fourth idea may be my sharable. Uh, the fourth idea may be my favorite. Oh, favorite. Oh, favorite. Oh, >> this is the outdoor or the offsite >> this is the outdoor or the offsite >> this is the outdoor or the offsite baptism. baptism. baptism. >> Lake, river, beach, pool. >> Lake, river, beach, pool. >> Lake, river, beach, pool. >> Take your pick. >> Take your pick. >> Take your pick. >> Outdoor venue. >> Outdoor venue. >> Outdoor venue. >> Just make sure the water's not standing. >> Just make sure the water's not standing. >> Just make sure the water's not standing. >> Right. Okay. Sure. [laughter] >> Right. Okay. Sure. [laughter] >> Right. Okay. Sure. [laughter] >> You know, Jesus was baptized in a river. >> You know, Jesus was baptized in a river. >> You know, Jesus was baptized in a river. There's the Ethiopian unic who was There's the Ethiopian unic who was There's the Ethiopian unic who was baptized in a body of water on the side baptized in a body of water on the side baptized in a body of water on the side of the road. of the road. of the road. >> You know, historically, Christians would >> You know, historically, Christians would >> You know, historically, Christians would be baptized in rivers. Like, it be baptized in rivers. Like, it be baptized in rivers. Like, it necessitated moving water. Like, if the necessitated moving water. Like, if the necessitated moving water. Like, if the water was standing, it like was not it water was standing, it like was not it water was standing, it like was not it was not a good enough image or was not a good enough image or was not a good enough image or environment to be baptized. is like, "We environment to be baptized. is like, "We environment to be baptized. is like, "We need to find water that's that's moving, need to find water that's that's moving, need to find water that's that's moving, that's rushing." Also, historically, uh, that's rushing." Also, historically, uh, that's rushing." Also, historically, uh, Christians would be baptized into fully Christians would be baptized into fully Christians would be baptized into fully nude and dunked three times. That's for nude and dunked three times. That's for nude and dunked three times. That's for another episode. another episode. another episode. >> No, that's the idea number. [laughter] >> No, that's the idea number. [laughter] >> No, that's the idea number. [laughter] Oh, we cut that one. We cut that one. Oh, we cut that one. We cut that one. Oh, we cut that one. We cut that one. Churches weren't ready for that, you Churches weren't ready for that, you Churches weren't ready for that, you know. Oh, we want to be biblical, know. Oh, we want to be biblical, know. Oh, we want to be biblical, [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] dude. dude. dude. >> Okay, let's let's talk about it. Let's >> Okay, let's let's talk about it. Let's >> Okay, let's let's talk about it. Let's talk about it. So, the nice thing about talk about it. So, the nice thing about talk about it. So, the nice thing about doing this on a Sunday as well is that doing this on a Sunday as well is that doing this on a Sunday as well is that it does break up the pattern of Sunday. it does break up the pattern of Sunday. it does break up the pattern of Sunday. And the reason that matters is because And the reason that matters is because And the reason that matters is because >> a change of venue, doing something >> a change of venue, doing something >> a change of venue, doing something different. What does that signify? Okay, different. What does that signify? Okay, different. What does that signify? Okay, this is special in its own way and we this is special in its own way and we this is special in its own way and we know that that's true about baptism. And know that that's true about baptism. And know that that's true about baptism. And so if then we can so if then we can so if then we can >> put that in structurally that speaks to >> put that in structurally that speaks to >> put that in structurally that speaks to its importance and then it becomes like its importance and then it becomes like its importance and then it becomes like an annual thing that people look forward an annual thing that people look forward an annual thing that people look forward to as well because it is different and to as well because it is different and to as well because it is different and unique from a normal Sunday. This is how unique from a normal Sunday. This is how unique from a normal Sunday. This is how I was baptized.

I was baptized. I was baptized. >> I think I was probably 10 years old or >> I think I was probably 10 years old or >> I think I was probably 10 years old or so. I grew up in a really small Baptist so. I grew up in a really small Baptist so. I grew up in a really small Baptist church about 20 people. We didn't have church about 20 people. We didn't have church about 20 people. We didn't have any electronics. So, pastor spoke from any electronics. So, pastor spoke from any electronics. So, pastor spoke from the pulpit with his voice. We had two the pulpit with his voice. We had two the pulpit with his voice. We had two acoustic guitars. Everyone sang. We had acoustic guitars. Everyone sang. We had acoustic guitars. Everyone sang. We had a projector. That was our big deal. a projector. That was our big deal. a projector. That was our big deal. Okay. Flip the side to Days of Elijah Okay. Flip the side to Days of Elijah Okay. Flip the side to Days of Elijah the bridge. Here he comes. the bridge. Here he comes. the bridge. Here he comes. >> Behold, he comes, frankly. Um, famously, >> Behold, he comes, frankly. Um, famously, >> Behold, he comes, frankly. Um, famously, so we go to baptism at the pastor's so we go to baptism at the pastor's so we go to baptism at the pastor's house. He had an ingground pool. house. He had an ingground pool. house. He had an ingground pool. >> I love this. >> I love this. >> I love this. >> And so, me and like three of the >> And so, me and like three of the >> And so, me and like three of the pastor's kids, cuz there was like five pastor's kids, cuz there was like five pastor's kids, cuz there was like five of them, of them, of them, >> right? [laughter] >> right? [laughter] >> right? [laughter] >> And like three of them were all kind of >> And like three of them were all kind of >> And like three of them were all kind of my age. my age. my age. >> Yeah. So, there's the entire youth >> Yeah. So, there's the entire youth >> Yeah. So, there's the entire youth group. group. group. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Right. Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Right. Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Exactly. Right. Right. And so we I get baptized in the backyard And so we I get baptized in the backyard And so we I get baptized in the backyard of the pastor's house. And you know, of the pastor's house. And you know, of the pastor's house. And you know, it's a visceral memory for me partly it's a visceral memory for me partly it's a visceral memory for me partly because like I don't know if I've ever because like I don't know if I've ever because like I don't know if I've ever been been to his house and like went been been to his house and like went been been to his house and like went swimming like maybe a few times, but swimming like maybe a few times, but swimming like maybe a few times, but like this was probably the first time as like this was probably the first time as like this was probably the first time as a 10-year-old and it was different. It a 10-year-old and it was different. It a 10-year-old and it was different. It was unique. It was outdoors. This was was unique. It was outdoors. This was was unique. It was outdoors. This was also practical. Like we didn't have a also practical. Like we didn't have a also practical. Like we didn't have a baptism tank. We were a tiny little baptism tank. We were a tiny little baptism tank. We were a tiny little church like this tiny little old wooden church like this tiny little old wooden church like this tiny little old wooden chapel. Um chapel. Um chapel. Um >> were you baptized outside?

>> were you baptized outside? >> were you baptized outside? >> Yeah, I was baptized in the public >> Yeah, I was baptized in the public >> Yeah, I was baptized in the public swimming pool. swimming pool. swimming pool. >> Oh. Um, so we used to do that. Um, now >> Oh. Um, so we used to do that. Um, now >> Oh. Um, so we used to do that. Um, now we have kind of a a cool thing. Uh, I I we have kind of a a cool thing. Uh, I I we have kind of a a cool thing. Uh, I I don't We've had this contraption for don't We've had this contraption for don't We've had this contraption for maybe 12 or 15 years. It's um it's an maybe 12 or 15 years. It's um it's an maybe 12 or 15 years. It's um it's an erectable baptismal tank. The frame is erectable baptismal tank. The frame is erectable baptismal tank. The frame is made with PVC pipe and then it's got made with PVC pipe and then it's got made with PVC pipe and then it's got this really thick blue liner so we can this really thick blue liner so we can this really thick blue liner so we can just like put it up for a Sunday in our just like put it up for a Sunday in our just like put it up for a Sunday in our space. So like on Easter um here in space. So like on Easter um here in space. So like on Easter um here in Canada like Easter's April 5th this year Canada like Easter's April 5th this year Canada like Easter's April 5th this year like there's there's barely any open like there's there's barely any open like there's there's barely any open water outside and we like to celebrate water outside and we like to celebrate water outside and we like to celebrate baptisms on Easter. So now we can do baptisms on Easter. So now we can do baptisms on Easter. So now we can do them in our church where previously we them in our church where previously we them in our church where previously we hadn't. But I grew up with the same hadn't. But I grew up with the same hadn't. But I grew up with the same experience as you. There was someone experience as you. There was someone experience as you. There was someone from our church who had an ingground from our church who had an ingground from our church who had an ingground pool the Morris and that house is no pool the Morris and that house is no pool the Morris and that house is no longer there. It's been demolished. longer there. It's been demolished. longer there. It's been demolished. There's no houses around where that There's no houses around where that There's no houses around where that house used to be. But I grew up every house used to be. But I grew up every house used to be. But I grew up every summer we would do our baptisms in that summer we would do our baptisms in that summer we would do our baptisms in that pool. And we would do it on Sunday there pool. And we would do it on Sunday there pool. And we would do it on Sunday there would be it would be a big potluck meal. would be it would be a big potluck meal. would be it would be a big potluck meal. And I can I have the fondest memories of And I can I have the fondest memories of And I can I have the fondest memories of those times to the point where when I'm those times to the point where when I'm those times to the point where when I'm driving through that area of Virgil, I driving through that area of Virgil, I driving through that area of Virgil, I will I will look over to this, you know, will I will look over to this, you know, will I will look over to this, you know, this now developed land and thing and this now developed land and thing and this now developed land and thing and have I will recall memories of, oh yeah, have I will recall memories of, oh yeah, have I will recall memories of, oh yeah, we used to do all those baptisms there.

we used to do all those baptisms there. we used to do all those baptisms there. Um I've baptized people in Lake Ontario. Um I've baptized people in Lake Ontario. Um I've baptized people in Lake Ontario. I've baptized people in the Niagara I've baptized people in the Niagara I've baptized people in the Niagara River. I've baptized people in the River. I've baptized people in the River. I've baptized people in the Nagara River in the summer. Baptized Nagara River in the summer. Baptized Nagara River in the summer. Baptized people in Nagara River in the winter. people in Nagara River in the winter. people in Nagara River in the winter. Wow. Um, but those those Wow. Um, but those those Wow. Um, but those those extraordinary extraordinary extraordinary settings, there's nothing wrong with a settings, there's nothing wrong with a settings, there's nothing wrong with a baptismal font, especially if your baptismal font, especially if your baptismal font, especially if your church has a Baptist church has a church has a Baptist church has a church has a Baptist church has a permanent baptismal font. You don't have permanent baptismal font. You don't have permanent baptismal font. You don't have to like leave the building to to try to like leave the building to to try to like leave the building to to try something new. But if if you don't something new. But if if you don't something new. But if if you don't [snorts] have a regular, you know, [snorts] have a regular, you know, [snorts] have a regular, you know, baptism location, these extra baptism location, these extra baptism location, these extra extraordinary locations, you know, open extraordinary locations, you know, open extraordinary locations, you know, open water, rivers, lakes, um, and and moving water, rivers, lakes, um, and and moving water, rivers, lakes, um, and and moving your whole church meeting there to make your whole church meeting there to make your whole church meeting there to make a ceremony of it, those can really mark a ceremony of it, those can really mark a ceremony of it, those can really mark not again, not just the person, but the not again, not just the person, but the not again, not just the person, but the community as a whole, community as a whole, community as a whole, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Was it weird that our Baptist church >> Was it weird that our Baptist church >> Was it weird that our Baptist church didn't have a baptism installed? didn't have a baptism installed? didn't have a baptism installed? >> I can't speak to that because it sounds >> I can't speak to that because it sounds >> I can't speak to that because it sounds like your Baptist church was like like your Baptist church was like like your Baptist church was like really, really small. really, really small. really, really small. >> It's Canadian Baptist, too. Okay. This >> It's Canadian Baptist, too. Okay. This >> It's Canadian Baptist, too. Okay. This isn't like SBC if you're listening. Like isn't like SBC if you're listening. Like isn't like SBC if you're listening. Like there's a lot of different Baptists. I there's a lot of different Baptists. I there's a lot of different Baptists. I don't even know what kind of Baptist don't even know what kind of Baptist don't even know what kind of Baptist that we were. that we were. that we were. >> So, we were at your church, your now >> So, we were at your church, your now >> So, we were at your church, your now non-Baptist church a couple weeks ago non-Baptist church a couple weeks ago non-Baptist church a couple weeks ago for that volleyball tournament and the for that volleyball tournament and the for that volleyball tournament and the baptismal tank was set up on the stage.

baptismal tank was set up on the stage. baptismal tank was set up on the stage. That was a Saturday we were there. That was a Saturday we were there. That was a Saturday we were there. >> And my dad said, he said, "I wonder if >> And my dad said, he said, "I wonder if >> And my dad said, he said, "I wonder if they have that set up there all the they have that set up there all the they have that set up there all the time." And I said, "Surely they don't." time." And I said, "Surely they don't." time." And I said, "Surely they don't." How often is that Bapt That's a large How often is that Bapt That's a large How often is that Bapt That's a large baptismal tank. It's like twice the size baptismal tank. It's like twice the size baptismal tank. It's like twice the size of a normal hot tub. of a normal hot tub. of a normal hot tub. >> We should do a video on that because >> We should do a video on that because >> We should do a video on that because Justin is so proud of that tank. and Justin is so proud of that tank. and Justin is so proud of that tank. and we've talked about doing a video on it we've talked about doing a video on it we've talked about doing a video on it for so many for so many for so many >> like we so many months. Oh, let's do >> like we so many months. Oh, let's do >> like we so many months. Oh, let's do let's do another one instead. Um so we let's do another one instead. Um so we let's do another one instead. Um so we probably do it like four times a year. probably do it like four times a year. probably do it like four times a year. Okay. Yeah. And and our ours is the type Okay. Yeah. And and our ours is the type Okay. Yeah. And and our ours is the type of church where it's like okay there's of church where it's like okay there's of church where it's like okay there's 18 people, there's 29 people and so like 18 people, there's 29 people and so like 18 people, there's 29 people and so like the video stuff that's maybe why I the video stuff that's maybe why I the video stuff that's maybe why I include these because when we were in include these because when we were in include these because when we were in our smaller churches like we would have our smaller churches like we would have our smaller churches like we would have more time to like okay we have two more time to like okay we have two more time to like okay we have two people being baptized. Everyone knows people being baptized. Everyone knows people being baptized. Everyone knows them them them >> but we want to like really tell their >> but we want to like really tell their >> but we want to like really tell their story whereas now we don't kind of get story whereas now we don't kind of get story whereas now we don't kind of get that. And so some of these ideas like that. And so some of these ideas like that. And so some of these ideas like bring up the friend like those are ways bring up the friend like those are ways bring up the friend like those are ways to almost be the proxy for the to almost be the proxy for the to almost be the proxy for the storytelling within storytelling within storytelling within >> like the service >> like the service >> like the service >> so that it doesn't extend to like twice >> so that it doesn't extend to like twice >> so that it doesn't extend to like twice its normal length sort of thing. its normal length sort of thing. its normal length sort of thing. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> Cool. >> All right. Number five, the spontaneous >> All right. Number five, the spontaneous >> All right. Number five, the spontaneous baptism opportunity. Again, maybe you baptism opportunity. Again, maybe you baptism opportunity. Again, maybe you know this is just me airing my know this is just me airing my know this is just me airing my grievances about how we do baptism in my grievances about how we do baptism in my grievances about how we do baptism in my church because we don't do this.

church because we don't do this. church because we don't do this. >> You can't set up that tank every week. >> You can't set up that tank every week. >> You can't set up that tank every week. >> You you just it's it's just not. >> You you just it's it's just not. >> You you just it's it's just not. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] So, and the nice thing about the So, and the nice thing about the So, and the nice thing about the spontaneous baptism is like ideally it's spontaneous baptism is like ideally it's spontaneous baptism is like ideally it's spontaneous for everyone. Now, spontaneous for everyone. Now, spontaneous for everyone. Now, >> as Alex just alluded to, if your baptism >> as Alex just alluded to, if your baptism >> as Alex just alluded to, if your baptism tag is like obviously set up, [laughter] tag is like obviously set up, [laughter] tag is like obviously set up, [laughter] the pageantry doesn't work quite as the pageantry doesn't work quite as the pageantry doesn't work quite as much. But much. But much. But >> I think if you are the type of church >> I think if you are the type of church >> I think if you are the type of church that always does scheduled baptisms, that always does scheduled baptisms, that always does scheduled baptisms, it's worth mixing it up. There's like it's worth mixing it up. There's like it's worth mixing it up. There's like room for this if it makes sense in your room for this if it makes sense in your room for this if it makes sense in your context. Um, again, Ethiopian unic, same context. Um, again, Ethiopian unic, same context. Um, again, Ethiopian unic, same day. Philippian jailer, same day. 3,000 day. Philippian jailer, same day. 3,000 day. Philippian jailer, same day. 3,000 at Pentecost, same day. presumably not at Pentecost, same day. presumably not at Pentecost, same day. presumably not going through a six week baptism class, going through a six week baptism class, going through a six week baptism class, >> right? >> right? >> right? >> So, I think that the way to do this >> So, I think that the way to do this >> So, I think that the way to do this though is you want to make sure that the though is you want to make sure that the though is you want to make sure that the pastor does meet with each person pastor does meet with each person pastor does meet with each person briefly. briefly. briefly. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> Mhm. >> So, you want to make sure, hey, tell me >> So, you want to make sure, hey, tell me >> So, you want to make sure, hey, tell me about your decision. Why is today about your decision. Why is today about your decision. Why is today >> a brief confession of faith? >> a brief confession of faith? >> a brief confession of faith? >> Yeah. Jesus. Heard of him? [laughter] >> Yeah. Jesus. Heard of him? [laughter] >> Yeah. Jesus. Heard of him? [laughter] Believe in him. Yeah. Okay. Uh just, you Believe in him. Yeah. Okay. Uh just, you Believe in him. Yeah. Okay. Uh just, you know, a brief check. Again, maybe I'm know, a brief check. Again, maybe I'm know, a brief check. Again, maybe I'm just a sucker for pageantry, but the way just a sucker for pageantry, but the way just a sucker for pageantry, but the way that I'm imagining this in my mind is that I'm imagining this in my mind is that I'm imagining this in my mind is like you have your normal service and like you have your normal service and like you have your normal service and you have your sermon and it's obviously you have your sermon and it's obviously you have your sermon and it's obviously like related to this in some way or it like related to this in some way or it like related to this in some way or it kind of peaks at this moment where you kind of peaks at this moment where you kind of peaks at this moment where you go and you know what life change is so go and you know what life change is so go and you know what life change is so important. We've talked about that. One important. We've talked about that. One important. We've talked about that. One of the ways that we as Christians mark of the ways that we as Christians mark of the ways that we as Christians mark life change is baptism. And that's when life change is baptism. And that's when life change is baptism. And that's when like the curtain falls down like and we like the curtain falls down like and we like the curtain falls down like and we [laughter] set up the tag and everyone's [laughter] set up the tag and everyone's [laughter] set up the tag and everyone's like, "Let's go baptisms light up."

like, "Let's go baptisms light up." like, "Let's go baptisms light up." Everyone's, you know, right? Everyone's, you know, right? Everyone's, you know, right? >> What happens if nobody comes? Well, >> What happens if nobody comes? Well, >> What happens if nobody comes? Well, look, [laughter] look, [laughter] look, [laughter] this is the bit of the risk, okay? High this is the bit of the risk, okay? High this is the bit of the risk, okay? High risk, high reward. I get it, right? Uh risk, high reward. I get it, right? Uh risk, high reward. I get it, right? Uh maybe you have a couple people, just one maybe you have a couple people, just one maybe you have a couple people, just one or two as plants. Okay, look, I'm or two as plants. Okay, look, I'm or two as plants. Okay, look, I'm [laughter] not where you make sure, you [laughter] not where you make sure, you [laughter] not where you make sure, you know, a couple people want to get know, a couple people want to get know, a couple people want to get baptized and sure. And you do it for baptized and sure. And you do it for baptized and sure. And you do it for them, right? And then they go up and them, right? And then they go up and them, right? And then they go up and then everyone's like, "Oh, okay. This is then everyone's like, "Oh, okay. This is then everyone's like, "Oh, okay. This is starting to sound like some starting to sound like some starting to sound like some >> Yeah. Yeah, we're getting it. >> Yeah. Yeah, we're getting it. >> Yeah. Yeah, we're getting it. >> This might sound like some megaurch >> This might sound like some megaurch >> This might sound like some megaurch grossness. I'm not I've never grossness. I'm not I've never grossness. I'm not I've never participated in this. I'm saying I've participated in this. I'm saying I've participated in this. I'm saying I've heard of it." heard of it." heard of it." >> Unsubstantiated rumors. >> Unsubstantiated rumors. >> Unsubstantiated rumors. >> Yeah. What about the spontaneous >> Yeah. What about the spontaneous >> Yeah. What about the spontaneous invitation on a scheduled day where it's invitation on a scheduled day where it's invitation on a scheduled day where it's like you were going to have baptisms like you were going to have baptisms like you were going to have baptisms that day anyways, but because maybe not that day anyways, but because maybe not that day anyways, but because maybe not every church has has thought of this. every church has has thought of this. every church has has thought of this. It's like, okay, you know, we have 29 It's like, okay, you know, we have 29 It's like, okay, you know, we have 29 people that are getting baptized today. people that are getting baptized today. people that are getting baptized today. We plan and we plan to dunk 29 people, We plan and we plan to dunk 29 people, We plan and we plan to dunk 29 people, but we could open the door to opening a but we could open the door to opening a but we could open the door to opening a spontaneous invitation and say like, spontaneous invitation and say like, spontaneous invitation and say like, "Yeah, we have these people who've "Yeah, we have these people who've "Yeah, we have these people who've committed to be baptized today, but like committed to be baptized today, but like committed to be baptized today, but like if you're in the room and you confess if you're in the room and you confess if you're in the room and you confess that Jesus is Lord and and you just feel that Jesus is Lord and and you just feel that Jesus is Lord and and you just feel like this stirring today, like there's like this stirring today, like there's like this stirring today, like there's nothing stopping you from coming up to nothing stopping you from coming up to nothing stopping you from coming up to the tank today and then all of a sudden the tank today and then all of a sudden the tank today and then all of a sudden you've baptized, you know, 37 people."

you've baptized, you know, 37 people." you've baptized, you know, 37 people." And uh so when I was writing down when I And uh so when I was writing down when I And uh so when I was writing down when I was writing down this I almost didn't was writing down this I almost didn't was writing down this I almost didn't include it because I was like have I include it because I was like have I include it because I was like have I just been like so pillled by wrestling just been like so pillled by wrestling just been like so pillled by wrestling here? Am I wrestling pill? Because like here? Am I wrestling pill? Because like here? Am I wrestling pill? Because like since I was a kid I I get I've loved since I was a kid I I get I've loved since I was a kid I I get I've loved pageantry. I love like creating a pageantry. I love like creating a pageantry. I love like creating a moment. Um like moment. Um like moment. Um like >> just as one small example you know a few >> just as one small example you know a few >> just as one small example you know a few years ago we're on the company retreat years ago we're on the company retreat years ago we're on the company retreat and I had like scheduled office Olympics and I had like scheduled office Olympics and I had like scheduled office Olympics but I hadn't told anyone. And so then but I hadn't told anyone. And so then but I hadn't told anyone. And so then like I walk out at the company retreat like I walk out at the company retreat like I walk out at the company retreat and I'm in a full referees uniform and and I'm in a full referees uniform and and I'm in a full referees uniform and they're everyone's like what's up and they're everyone's like what's up and they're everyone's like what's up and I'm like we're doing office Olympics. I'm like we're doing office Olympics. I'm like we're doing office Olympics. Okay. Like there just something about So Okay. Like there just something about So Okay. Like there just something about So the way you're describing this does the way you're describing this does the way you're describing this does sound very you know Royal Rumble. It's sound very you know Royal Rumble. It's sound very you know Royal Rumble. It's like we have 29 participants who's like we have 29 participants who's like we have 29 participants who's number 30 coming down. So sure that it's number 30 coming down. So sure that it's number 30 coming down. So sure that it's working for you. working for you. working for you. >> Yeah. [laughter] Again I I don't know if >> Yeah. [laughter] Again I I don't know if >> Yeah. [laughter] Again I I don't know if then I want to then suggest to everyone then I want to then suggest to everyone then I want to then suggest to everyone listening this is correct for you. Maybe listening this is correct for you. Maybe listening this is correct for you. Maybe this is my problem. And if so let's move this is my problem. And if so let's move this is my problem. And if so let's move to number six. to number six. to number six. >> Oh I love this. uh the baptism >> Oh I love this. uh the baptism >> Oh I love this. uh the baptism anniversary recognition. anniversary recognition. anniversary recognition. >> So track the date of every baptism >> So track the date of every baptism >> So track the date of every baptism >> and then just you can schedule an >> and then just you can schedule an >> and then just you can schedule an automated email to the person. This is automated email to the person. This is automated email to the person. This is just like a private follow-up. Um just like a private follow-up. Um just like a private follow-up. Um >> include the photo if you have it on >> include the photo if you have it on >> include the photo if you have it on record and just say, "Hey, one year ago record and just say, "Hey, one year ago record and just say, "Hey, one year ago today, you declared your faith through today, you declared your faith through today, you declared your faith through baptism." Maybe if you did that baptism." Maybe if you did that baptism." Maybe if you did that testimony video, you could say, "Hey, by testimony video, you could say, "Hey, by testimony video, you could say, "Hey, by the way, here's the testimony video. We the way, here's the testimony video. We the way, here's the testimony video. We have it linked for you."

have it linked for you." have it linked for you." >> So you can always um have it and just >> So you can always um have it and just >> So you can always um have it and just mark that day for people. U maybe set up mark that day for people. U maybe set up mark that day for people. U maybe set up another one for like 10 years. Like that another one for like 10 years. Like that another one for like 10 years. Like that would be kind of cool as well. I I have would be kind of cool as well. I I have would be kind of cool as well. I I have no idea the day that I was baptized. Um no idea the day that I was baptized. Um no idea the day that I was baptized. Um email automation email automation email automation >> circa 2001. Not entirely. Wasn't quite >> circa 2001. Not entirely. Wasn't quite >> circa 2001. Not entirely. Wasn't quite there yet. there yet. there yet. >> Yeah. Not not exactly there. So, uh but >> Yeah. Not not exactly there. So, uh but >> Yeah. Not not exactly there. So, uh but yeah, this is great and extends the yeah, this is great and extends the yeah, this is great and extends the moment. Which leads us to idea number moment. Which leads us to idea number moment. Which leads us to idea number seven. The baptism party or celebratory seven. The baptism party or celebratory seven. The baptism party or celebratory lunch. Again, extending the moment. If lunch. Again, extending the moment. If lunch. Again, extending the moment. If you celebrate someone's birthday, you you celebrate someone's birthday, you you celebrate someone's birthday, you don't just like blow out the candles and don't just like blow out the candles and don't just like blow out the candles and then say, "See you later, right?" Like then say, "See you later, right?" Like then say, "See you later, right?" Like you structure something around it. And you structure something around it. And you structure something around it. And we did this at my baptism. And I again we did this at my baptism. And I again we did this at my baptism. And I again distinctly remember this because of how distinctly remember this because of how distinctly remember this because of how different it was different it was different it was >> where my family and my grandparents who >> where my family and my grandparents who >> where my family and my grandparents who came as well. We all went to this came as well. We all went to this came as well. We all went to this sitdown restaurant in our tiny town. sitdown restaurant in our tiny town. sitdown restaurant in our tiny town. This sit down restaurant was called the This sit down restaurant was called the This sit down restaurant was called the Whistle Stop Whistle Stop Whistle Stop >> in Been, Ontario, Canada. >> in Been, Ontario, Canada. >> in Been, Ontario, Canada. >> And I remember that because we never >> And I remember that because we never >> And I remember that because we never went out to eat. And so like this was a went out to eat. And so like this was a went out to eat. And so like this was a big deal. And what it represented to me big deal. And what it represented to me big deal. And what it represented to me was, okay, me getting baptized must be a was, okay, me getting baptized must be a was, okay, me getting baptized must be a big deal. My my grandparents showed up.

big deal. My my grandparents showed up. big deal. My my grandparents showed up. We went out for lunch. And okay, this is We went out for lunch. And okay, this is We went out for lunch. And okay, this is special. So special. So special. So >> how do you do this in church? You host a >> how do you do this in church? You host a >> how do you do this in church? You host a celebratory meal after this takes place. celebratory meal after this takes place. celebratory meal after this takes place. Those that are baptized are, you know, Those that are baptized are, you know, Those that are baptized are, you know, the guests of honor and everyone's the guests of honor and everyone's the guests of honor and everyone's invited to stay after service. You could invited to stay after service. You could invited to stay after service. You could do it where you just invited the people do it where you just invited the people do it where you just invited the people that got baptized, but I think like it's that got baptized, but I think like it's that got baptized, but I think like it's much better if everyone's invited, much better if everyone's invited, much better if everyone's invited, whatever you're doing. Okay, you're at whatever you're doing. Okay, you're at whatever you're doing. Okay, you're at the lake. Make it like a barbecue. the lake. Make it like a barbecue. the lake. Make it like a barbecue. You're at the church. Maybe it's more of You're at the church. Maybe it's more of You're at the church. Maybe it's more of a potluck. Maybe you do catering. I a potluck. Maybe you do catering. I a potluck. Maybe you do catering. I don't know. Whatever you want. But the don't know. Whatever you want. But the don't know. Whatever you want. But the idea is, hey, don't just get baptized idea is, hey, don't just get baptized idea is, hey, don't just get baptized and leave. Like, let's celebrate. You and leave. Like, let's celebrate. You and leave. Like, let's celebrate. You probably have family with you. probably have family with you. probably have family with you. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Like, let's make a meal out of it. >> Like, let's make a meal out of it. >> Like, let's make a meal out of it. >> Yeah. I any any effort to acknowledge >> Yeah. I any any effort to acknowledge >> Yeah. I any any effort to acknowledge what has occurred here not just for the what has occurred here not just for the what has occurred here not just for the person but for the community because person but for the community because person but for the community because that's something in our church community that's something in our church community that's something in our church community whenever we talk about baptism we that's whenever we talk about baptism we that's whenever we talk about baptism we that's how we frame it we say yeah for for the how we frame it we say yeah for for the how we frame it we say yeah for for the person who's who's going under the water person who's who's going under the water person who's who's going under the water they're they're committing themselves to they're they're committing themselves to they're they're committing themselves to following Jesus but because we do this following Jesus but because we do this following Jesus but because we do this in in community we also as the rest of in in community we also as the rest of in in community we also as the rest of us are making a commitment to to you to us are making a commitment to to you to us are making a commitment to to you to the bapt the person who's being baptized the bapt the person who's being baptized the bapt the person who's being baptized that we as your community will support that we as your community will support that we as your community will support you in your journey of faith. And so any you in your journey of faith. And so any you in your journey of faith. And so any effort, whether it's it doesn't matter effort, whether it's it doesn't matter effort, whether it's it doesn't matter what you pick, but in the context of of what you pick, but in the context of of what you pick, but in the context of of the seventh idea of of kind of extending the seventh idea of of kind of extending the seventh idea of of kind of extending the moment and and sharing a meal and the moment and and sharing a meal and the moment and and sharing a meal and just celebrating together, any effort to just celebrating together, any effort to just celebrating together, any effort to to affirm through communication and and to affirm through communication and and to affirm through communication and and a meal is communication, right? The the a meal is communication, right? The the a meal is communication, right? The the the birthday party, it's communication.

the birthday party, it's communication. the birthday party, it's communication. We love you. We want to mark your birth. We love you. We want to mark your birth. We love you. We want to mark your birth. The baptism party is communication. This The baptism party is communication. This The baptism party is communication. This this matters to us. um and to get the this matters to us. um and to get the this matters to us. um and to get the whole community in on it that that you whole community in on it that that you whole community in on it that that you know it it it can't do anything but kind know it it it can't do anything but kind know it it it can't do anything but kind of tether you all to each other in the of tether you all to each other in the of tether you all to each other in the story of Jesus which is if it weren't story of Jesus which is if it weren't story of Jesus which is if it weren't for the the story of Jesus none of us for the the story of Jesus none of us for the the story of Jesus none of us would be getting dunked underwater by would be getting dunked underwater by would be getting dunked underwater by pastor in the first place. pastor in the first place. pastor in the first place. >> That's right. That's right. Quick >> That's right. That's right. Quick >> That's right. That's right. Quick summary. Idea number one, the video summary. Idea number one, the video summary. Idea number one, the video testimony. Perhaps do a short and testimony. Perhaps do a short and testimony. Perhaps do a short and 60-second version with the question, 60-second version with the question, 60-second version with the question, what's the moment everything changed for what's the moment everything changed for what's the moment everything changed for you? Idea two, the family participation you? Idea two, the family participation you? Idea two, the family participation moment. Idea three, the live photo moment. Idea three, the live photo moment. Idea three, the live photo moment. Four, the outdoor/offsite moment. Four, the outdoor/offsite moment. Four, the outdoor/offsite baptism. Number five, the spontaneous baptism. Number five, the spontaneous baptism. Number five, the spontaneous baptism opportunity. Number six, the baptism opportunity. Number six, the baptism opportunity. Number six, the baptism anniversary recognition. And baptism anniversary recognition. And baptism anniversary recognition. And number seven, the party or celebratory number seven, the party or celebratory number seven, the party or celebratory lunch. Does your church do something lunch. Does your church do something lunch. Does your church do something unique or different for baptism? Let us unique or different for baptism? Let us unique or different for baptism? Let us know in the comments. Don't keep it to know in the comments. Don't keep it to know in the comments. Don't keep it to yourself. Share it. And thanks as always yourself. Share it. And thanks as always yourself. Share it. And thanks as always for your time, attention, and trust. for your time, attention, and trust. for your time, attention, and trust. We'll talk to you next Wednesday. Let's We'll talk to you next Wednesday. Let's We'll talk to you next Wednesday. Let's get dumped.

Can we keep that? [laughter] Can we keep that? [laughter] There's nothing. We run this thing. There's nothing. We run this thing. There's nothing. We run this thing. [music] There's nothing stopping us from [music] There's nothing stopping us from [music] There's nothing stopping us from keeping that. Let's dive in just in keeping that. Let's dive in just in keeping that. Let's dive in just in case. case. case. That's what we need. Look at you. That's what we need. Look at you. That's what we need. Look at you. Pastor Punchline. Pastor Punchline. Pastor Punchline. >> Hey, I can be quick on my toes. T has >> Hey, I can be quick on my toes. T has >> Hey, I can be quick on my toes. T has her punchline.