October 1, 2026
There are moments in the life of a church that simply cannot be explained by strategy, planning, or human effort. They are the kind of moments that remind us why the Church exists in the first place—not as an organization we manage, but as a movement God leads. Recently, our church experienced one of those moments, and it stands as a powerful reminder that God is still moving—actively, powerfully, and personally—through His people.
For the past few years, we’ve seen steady evidence of God at work. As a church, we baptize once a month, and by God’s grace, we’ve averaged around 50 baptisms each time. These Sundays have become some of the most joy-filled, faith-building gatherings in our community. They are not just events—they are celebrations of new life, visible declarations of inward transformation, and reminders that the gospel is still changing lives.
But what happened last month went beyond anything we could have anticipated.
During the week, as our pastor prepared his message, he sensed the Holy Spirit leading him to do something bold: to open the baptistry to anyone who felt stirred to take that step of obedience. There was no elaborate plan, no carefully crafted follow-up script for the moment—just a willingness to respond. He shared a statement that captured the heart behind the decision to invite people to take this step: “No one may respond, but I would rather look like a fool than be disobedient.”
That posture changed everything.
That weekend began like many others. Baptisms had already taken place earlier in each service. Based on past experience and the number of baptisms we had seen throughout the previous year, we had a general expectation of what the day might look like. But God had something more in mind—something that would stretch our faith and redefine our expectations.
Service after service, the invitation was extended. And each time, people responded. Not just a few. Not just dozens. By the end of the weekend, 400 adults had stepped forward and been baptized.
It was unmistakable. This wasn’t the result of a clever strategy or emotional momentum. This was a move of God.
Looking back, it would be easy to focus solely on that moment—but what’s just as important is the soil that had been prepared long before that weekend ever arrived.
Over time, we have worked intentionally to cultivate a culture of invitation. Our church consistently encourages people to invite friends, family members, coworkers, and neighbors. Not out of obligation, but out of a genuine belief that life change happens when people encounter Jesus. Alongside that, we regularly challenge people to take their next step of obedience. We remind our church that following Jesus is not a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong journey. No matter how long someone has been walking with Christ, there is always a next step.
That particular Sunday also marked the conclusion of a teaching series on the Holy Spirit. For weeks, our church had been learning what it means to walk in step with the Spirit—to listen, to discern, and to respond. The message of Galatians 5:25 had been taking root: “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” By the time that invitation was extended, hearts were already softened and attentive. People weren’t just hearing about obedience—they were ready to act on it.
Another key part of what happened that weekend was the intentionality behind the conversations. Our staff spoke personally with every individual who came forward for baptism. What we discovered was both surprising and deeply encouraging: the vast majority of those 400 people had already surrendered their lives to Jesus before that Sunday. They weren’t responding to salvation in that moment—they were responding in obedience.
For many, baptism had simply been delayed. Life got busy. Questions lingered. Fear or uncertainty crept in. In some cases, it may have just been overlooked. But when the invitation came—clear, simple, and immediate—those barriers began to fall. We did everything we could to remove obstacles and excuses. And then we trusted God to do what only He can do.
Of course, the story doesn’t end at the water.
Obedience is not just about a moment—it’s about a lifestyle. That’s why follow-up has been a crucial part of this journey. Each person who was baptized has been invited into a simple, intentional four-week pathway designed to help them grow in their faith. During this time, they learn to read the Bible, apply Scripture to their lives, pray, and share what God is doing in them with others.
But it doesn’t stop there.
At the end of those four weeks, each person is encouraged to lead someone else through that same process. The goal isn’t just personal growth—it’s multiplication. It’s disciples making disciples. And throughout it all, we trust that the Holy Spirit is the one doing the deepest work—guiding, convicting, teaching, and transforming hearts.
So what does this mean for other churches?
First, it’s a reminder to stay the course. Faithfulness matters. The unseen work of cultivating a culture of invitation, teaching obedience, and pointing people to Jesus—those things matter more than we often realize. You may not see immediate results, but seeds are being planted.
Second, it’s an invitation to trust the Holy Spirit more than our own logic. There will be moments when obedience doesn’t make sense on paper. Moments when the safer option is to stay within what’s predictable and manageable. But God often moves most powerfully when we are willing to step beyond what we can control.
And finally, it’s a call to keep creating opportunities for people to say “yes” to Jesus. Sometimes the difference between hesitation and obedience is simply a clear invitation.
God is not finished with His Church. He is still drawing people to Himself. He is still transforming lives. And He is still inviting His people to join Him in what He’s doing.
The question is not whether God is moving.
The question is whether we are willing to move with Him.
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