On Easter Sunday, April 16, at least 50 individuals stirred the baptismal waters in churches of all sizes across South Carolina, according to about 20 responses to an informal e-mail survey conducted by The Baptist Courier April 20.
The Courier’s survey was conducted in response to a call by Southern Baptist Convention president Bobby Welch for churches to hold Easter baptisms as part of a convention-wide effort to reach more people than ever for Christ during the 2006 church year. Welch’s call for Easter baptisms was part of an “Every One Can!’ Kingdom Challenge,” urging Southern Baptists to witness, win and baptize 1 million people in a year.
“We are happy to say that we did baptize on Easter Sunday morning,” remarked Jimmy Cox, pastor of Faith Fellowship Church, Pendleton, who reported two young adult candidates. “What a celebration! What better way to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”
“We baptized four people: a father and son, a child and an adult,” reported Paul Ballard, pastor of Columbia’s North Trenholm Baptist Church.
“At Cedar Shoals Baptist Church, we baptized three new believers on Easter Sunday,” added Ryan Goodroe, pastor of the Enoree congregation.
Glenrock Baptist Church, Fort Mill, promoted Easter Sunday as “Bring-a-Friend” to Sunday school day, an increased attendance by 18 persons, from 40 to 58. “We also emphasized having a baptism service,” said pastor Gene Flack. “As a result of visiting those who had either accepted Christ recently, or who made new commitments to Christ, we baptized six new converts into the fellowship of believers,” he rejoiced.
White Plains Baptist Church, Pelzer, baptized one on Easter Sunday. “That makes a total of 10 baptisms so far this year!” exclaimed pastor Mark Spearman.
At least 15 baptisms were reported at First Baptist Church, Taylors, and six more at Shandon Baptist Church, Columbia, although not specifically in connection with the SBC emphasis.
First Baptist, Barnwell; City View First Baptist, Greenville; Pierpoint Baptist, Charleston; First Baptist, Georgetown; Timberlake Baptist, Myrtle Beach; First Baptist, Pendleton; and Gum Branch Baptist, Hartsville, were also among the churches holding baptismal services April 16.
Welch has also asked churches to highlight baptisms Sept. 30, the final day of the SBC’s church year, and the closing date of the “Everyone Can” initiative.
While Sisk Memorial Baptist Church, Fort Mill, was among the many congregations that performed Easter cantatas April 16 – “in which many decisions were made” – Johnny Phillips, member, added that the church is looking to Sept. 30 and will see what “we can” do.