Draw The NET

A “Baptism Celebration” is designed to be an evangelistic harvest event for your church. Many churches design “first touch” events which are more pre-evangelistic in nature. But some may be present who are ready to receive Christ if they only hear the gospel and are challenged to respond in faith. Besides, the gospel itself is “the power of God unto salvation.” What better way to give someone a “first touch” than by letting them hear the gospel and see others receive Christ?

Unlike a “first touch” event, an evangelistic harvest event does not just communicate the Gospel, but gives attendees the opportunity to commit to Jesus Christ. Furthermore, a harvest event gives new believers a mechanism to record their decision for Christ.

The Great Commission does not tell us to “make converts,” but instead commands us to “make disciples, baptizing them….” Communicating the Gospel through the Baptism Celebration event is only the beginning. An invitation should be given to urge new believers to record their decision for Christ and follow Him in their own commitment of Baptism and church membership.

The invitation is the part of the service in which attendees are given a way to do this. Before this happens the Gospel should have already been shared and people given the opportunity to pray and receive Christ. Information on how to do this is contained in the “Share the Gospel” section of this website.

The “Response Card” Invitation. Of all of the types of invitations (response card, “come forward”, counseling room, etc.) the Response Card type of invitation may be the most effective for this type of event. It is simple and effective. Each attendee gets a card to fill out. Those who have prayed to receive Christ have a place on the card to indicate their decision. Response card are collected and appropriate follow up contacts and information are given to each respondent.

Hints for using the “Response Card” Invitation.

Inclusiveness – Give a response card to every person to fill out, including the members of your church. If you have a choir, each member should be given a response card. The pastor should even fill one out! Do not just give a response card to the visitors. If everyone fills out a response card, this will provide new believers and interested seekers a safe environment to record their decision for Christ. Inform members in advance of the service on why it is important for them to fill one out.
Intrusiveness – Hand the cards (and pencils or pens) out just before they are to be filled out. Ushers should pass them out row-by-row. Do not just include them in the bulleting or in seat racks.
Involvement – Besides spaces for contact information on each attendee, a “Comments” section should be included on each card. Get each person to write down a contact about how they liked the service, nursery, music and other aspects of your church. “Involvement breeds commitment!” People not only need to be preached to, but they need to be listened to. They will be more likely to get involved in a church that has asked their opinion. Also, as people are writing they will have the opportunity to check a box recording their decision for Christ.
Invitation -- As people are filling out the card, direct their attention to response boxes with sections to check if they received Christ, if they are interested in more information about Christ, or if they are looking for a church home.

A sample response card is available in the free downloadable resources section of this website.

The next section, “Information on Baptism” answers some basic questions about baptism. Is baptism even biblical? What is the proper way to baptize? Does baptism save or wash away sins? Are we commanded to be baptized? This information will help build a foundation as you plan your “Celebration of Baptism” service.