Yesterday, we had our annual baptism celebration at Camp Shamineau. They have a wonderful setting for baptisms with an ampitheater equipped with sound right on a beach. I had the privilege of baptizing a young couple who have been coming to church since Easter. It was a wonderfully beautiful occassion that could not be overcome by the unseasonably chilly weather.
In the 17 months I’ve been at CBC I’ve given four sermons on baptism (2 regular + 2 baptism services). As a baptist pastor it can be a challenge sometimes to come up with new “material” on the subject. But I’ve become quite fond lately of comparing baptism to a wedding where Christ-followers declare their love and commitment to Christ, join with him in his life, take on his identity, and participate in his family (Christian community). I think the wedding imagery really helps people understand the commitment aspect of baptism which often gets cheapened when we say “it’s just a symbol.“ A wedding ceremony is “just a symbol” of your love and commitment to your spouse. Having a public ceremony isn’t the subtance of your commitment, but it is an important reference point for a healthy marriage. So, too, baptism is not the substance of discipleship, but declaring your love and commitment to Christ in front of witnesses is a vital element of it.
If you want to know more about this understanding of baptism, you may listen to Wedding in the Water (4/15/07).
What an awesome day it was… too bad so many missed it. It’s something I just can’t get enough of!!!
Still Seeking,
Amy
Those are some cool looking robes. Have those traditionally been worn by candidates, etc. at Cushing?
No. I asked a woman to make them for last year’s baptism. Though someone had mentioned that they used to have something like that “back in the day.”
I just think the symbolism is so cool to clothe the candidates in white after the baptism to show how they have been clothed in Christ.