Simple message prompts 45 baptisms

Courtesy photo

Mark Bricker (right), pastor of education at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers, baptizes Anna Palmer April 29. Palmer was one of 45 people baptized during three services that Sunday.

FORT MYERS (FBW)—On any given Sunday, McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers baptizes believers as part of the three morning worship services. Having a combined total of 45 baptisms during three services for one Sunday isn't the norm, but those in worship April 29 witnessed a phenomenal response to a simple message by Pastor Richard Powell who emphasized the importance of baptism in the Christian life.

Expounding on the text of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch found in Acts chapter eight, Powell's Sunday message, describing the miracle of baptism, obviously impacted those needing to take the next step of obedience in the Christian faith.

According to Mark Bricker, associate pastor of evangelism, the emphasis on baptism in the morning worship service will be an annual event for McGregor.

"We saw such a great response from this message last year. Dr. Powell preached on what the Bible teaches about baptism," Bricker said. "There were many in the congregation that for whatever reason had not taken the next step in their spiritual journey. God really touched lives that morning."

Powell's sermon told of three important reasons for getting baptized: (a) Baptism makes a statement; (b) Baptism tells a story and (c) Baptism is the first step in following Jesus Christ.

"Baptism makes a statement that you are being follower of Jesus Christ. It's a statement that proclaims what Christ has done in your life and you know that you know that your life has been changed and you want people to know about it," Powell told those gathered.

Additionally, the story baptism tells is not just the story relating to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but also one's death to sin and rebirth to a new life through Jesus. The story of Jesus becomes a person's own story, Powell said. He reiterated the importance of the first step in following Jesus Christ in baptism by sharing the New Testament example found in Luke chapter three which records the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. When believers are baptized, God is pleased with them, Powell said.

The Sunday baptismal message related the important decision the Ethiopian eunuch made after Philip shared the good news about Jesus Christ.

"Philip and the Ethiopian happened to come to some water while they were traveling. The first question the Eunuch asks Philip after he (the Eunuch) committed his life to God was, 'What is keeping me from being baptized?'" Powell said. "The answer was nothing. I want to challenge you to understand this biblical truth and know that if you have committed your life to God and not followed the next step of obedience, we want to give you that opportunity today."

Not only did Powell share with those needing to hear the baptismal message, but members of the congregation, staff and counselors were available and willing to assist new believers taking this next step of faith in their Christian walk, according to Bricker.

"We were able to take those making the decision of being baptized to a counseling area and sharing with them before preparing them for the baptismal waters," Bricker said. "The congregation was experiencing the Lord's Supper and continuing with the worship service. It was a great experience to witness so many taking that next step of obedience."

McGregor's mega-church status has attracted many within the Lee County area. However, the emphasis on evangelism, personal growth and spiritual maturity through worship, Bible study and fellowship seems to draw people into taking that next step of faith.

Val Bryant, who frequently attends McGregor said Sunday services such as these truly help strengthen believers.

"You come to church, spend time in worship through song and then witness a baptismal service like this [and] you can't help but get excited about your faith," Bryant said. "What a testimony of faith. It's a wonderful way to end the Lord's Day and keep you pumped all through the week."