It was a chilly Sunday morning in February 2009.

Our pastor was wrapping up his sermon. As he moved into his conclusion, he explained that we would be having a couple of scheduled baptisms to wrap up our service. Then he gave an open invitation to anyone else who would like to be baptized; they should come forward during the next song.

Morgan was a young, rather short gal I had never seen in our church before, though she had been a few times before. She was the kind of gal who could fade into a crowd pretty easily; not giving off a lot of who she was by outward appearance. Other than perhaps, some whimsical statement on her t-shirt.

Almost immediately after the pastor’s invitation to be baptized, Morgan stepped forward without hesitation. Though she was new to our church, though she had no swimsuit, though she had no clothes to change into; she was going to be baptized.

There was more to know about this young gal who so easily faded into our congregation.

As you may have guessed, she got dunked that Sunday.

Within weeks, Morgan and I connected. It turned out that she had recently moved to Alaska from Washington State, to start her adult life. I was excited to hear that she was passionate about youth ministry and desired to serve our students as soon as possible. And so she did!

Her energy level and excitement level were addicting. My creativity flourished, as she spent more and more time around the youth centre.

She helped me prepare a variety of events and activities. She poured her time into the students, but also into discussing youth ministry as a whole. Morgan strived to move forward in her skill and knowledge level.

She impressed me time and time again.

Morgan’s ministry journey had started before she left Washington. However, that journey was thrust into 5th gear once she answered the call to be baptized. Might I suggest, if you are a Believer and have not yet committed to Baptism; don’t wait!

You have no idea what kind of adventure God will take you on, once you have made that public confession of your faith in Him.

To pastors and preachers everywhere; fill the tank! Don’t assume that everyone in the congregation has been dunked or that no one wants to be.

Which is more meanful (and powerful)?

“Here’s water. It’s time to take the next step and be baptized.“

Or the usual call:

“If you want to get baptized at some point in the next few months, come meet with me this week and we’ll discuss it.“

Perhaps, if that tank is filled every Sunday or at least every other Sunday, someone might just decide to take a dip.

Salvation is key and opportunities should be frequently given to receive Jesus. However, let’s not neglect the next step in our commitment and therefore, neglect the next step in our ministry journey.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

• Why should pastors fill the tank every Sunday?