The Easter season is terrific for sharing Christ and following him in baptism. Choose the Sunday in April that works best for your church. Or choose all of them! Illinois Baptist churches are invited to join the month-long baptism emphasis. But sharing Christ with lost people so they can be baptized in April should start soon. Here are some recommendations from IBSA’s evangelism leader Pat Pajak:
Starting in January: Train for gospel conversations
One of the easiest ways to turn everyday conversations into gospel conversations is to use the 3 Circles: Life Conversation Guide. It can be loaded free on to your phone or iPad. IBSA can also provide 3 Circles Training Kits and Student Booklets at no charge to equip church members to simply and effectively share their faith.
Starting in February: Share Christ in the community
Encourage those you trained in gospel conversations or other gospel-sharing activities to share the good news with people they meet. Look for opportunities to reach outside the church walls to share Christ through small group gatherings, basketball leagues, community functions, neighborhood outreach events, family fun-fests, student rallies, Mother’s Day Out, computer clinics, literacy classes, hunter’s breakfast, Christian comedy night, concerts, movie night, marriage retreats, talent show, first responders’ recognition, and a dozen other innovative ways that connect the church with the community.
Starting in March: Follow-up decisions and plan baptisms
Set a baptism goal and invite those who have been reached with the gospel to commit to a baptism celebration during “One GRAND Month” in April!
Prepare a dinner for families of those who will baptized. Give out baptismal remembrance hand towels with the date. Provide a free Bible for every baptismal candidate. Record the baptisms all month long and give away a DVD to each person baptized.
Also consider these ideas:
• Preach an entire message from the baptistry and baptize individuals throughout the sermon.
• Make a baptismal bulletin board and post photos.
• Let those who shared the gospel join the candidates in the baptistry for their baptism.
For additional ideas, resources, or assistance, contact Pat Pajak at PatPajak@IBSA.org or Linda Darden at LindaDarden@IBSA.org.