Why I’m thankful for my Anglican, Baptist and Brethren baptisms.

One of the greatest gifts God gave me in my life was a diverse Christian background. This journey has led me to get baptized 3 times! (Crazy right?) Here’s the story.

My Dad and Mom grew up in Newcastle, England (Northeast, not far from the Scotland border). My Dad was Catholic and my Mom was Protestant. If you have any British heritage, you immediately understand the potential struggles of that relationship.

Nevertheless, they were married and immigrated to Canada.

1. My Anglican Baptism

When I was born, there were opinions on the Catholic side, on when I would be getting my infant baptism. My mother was adamant to stick with her protestant tradition, but the Catholic family was obviously somewhat persuasive.

My parents found some middle ground with an Anglican minister giving me my infant sprinkle, which seemed to appease both sides of the family.

2. My Baptist Baptism

Soon after immigrating to Canada, my mother started attending a Baptist Church. A few years after I came along my father was saved, and started attending too.

My experience was similar to many in the Baptist tradition. I said the “ask Jesus into my heart” prayer around the age of 5, and grew up in the church, attending church programs, clubs and functions.

Then at around 13 years of age, I went through the 8-week baptism class, including my “interview” with a Deacon. Then with a few other students, was baptized accordingly by immersion.

Unfortunately, it didn’t have an impact on my life. My teen years were difficult. I was rebellious and enjoyed every minute of it. I didn’t follow Christ in the slightest. That is, until a moment at 17 years of age, in a. church parking lot with a Christian friend, finally and fully submitting my life to Christ.

Jesus is the only one to determine the truth, on whether or not that was the beginning of my salvation. Before that moment, I never felt like I authentically gave my life to Him, but perhaps that was just the moment where I made my faith my own? Again, only Jesus knows but regardless, it was pivotal. My life changed drastically following that moment.

And it would end up impacting my baptism story.

3. My Brethren Baptism

I never thought much about my previous baptisms until the Lord called me into ministry many years later. My first assignment was a Youth Pastor position in Alaska at a Grace Brethren Church. A few months into the position, a student gave their life to Christ and wanted to be baptized. I went to the Lead Pastor and let him know. He was elated and plans were quickly made.

Then I started to feel convicted about the fact that I was baptized before my true moment of salvation. I explained this feeling to my Lead Pastor and he understood. And plans were adjusted.

1. I would tell my story to the congregation.
2. The Lead Pastor would baptize me.
3. Then I would baptize the student.

Here’s the crazy part! Grace Brethren tradition is triple-immersion, one dunk for every member of the God-head!

“In the name of the Father (under and big breath), and of the Son (under and big breath), and of the Holy Spirit (under and big breath).”

What an experience!

Why I’m so thankful!

Having 3 baptism experiences has been one of the greatest pieces to my journey as a Christian. It has led me into some incredible conversations. Especially in our “Next Steps” class for seekers, new believers and new attendees.

I have found a trust develops with people from Main Line (liturgical) traditions, who are skeptical when evangelicals speak about baptism. I have found common ground within numerous evangelical traditions. Because I have experienced a multiple of baptism traditions, the walls seem to break down.

It has been a huge blessing to be baptized 3 times (or is that 5 times?) #TripleDunkBrethrenBaptism