I tried to find the post where I talked about this on the blog, but I have no idea where it went. This comes up as I talked about baptism at a recent junior high large group session and my brain pulled this memory from the back of the vault.
A year or so ago I was at another church up in Longmont doing some children’s ministry work with my 15+ year mentor. We got to know a young lady (I’ll call her Jessica) who was always so excited to serve on Sunday mornings’ with us. She would sing, she would greet fellow kids and she would run the tech booth if she could. She had such a heart for having fun and getting others to enjoy Sunday school right along with her I grew to love and treasure moments with her every Saturday night I made the hour long drive down I-25.
We introduced a baptism class so parents and their children could go through what baptism was and what it meant and why we as Christians’ did it. At the end of the class (a few weeks long) the families were allowed to decide if they wanted get baptized. Throughout the entire process it was repeated, discipled and explained every way possible about how much a choice it is in getting baptized. It’s not a requirement at any certain age and it’s not something we’ll judge you for in any way. You get the information. You make the decision.
Jessica had been in the church since she’d been born. When we took over the ministry program for the kids we opened the doors for her to share her joy and love of all things Jesus by helping us in whatever manner she could. She was always looking for something more to do, some way to help, serve and in the end spread some joy and love around to those in need.
My mentor (We’ll call her Karen) pulled me aside one day with a concerned and yet amused look on her face. I was both concerned (what did I do?) and amused (who did I offend this time?) but that all went away as soon as she told me what was on her mind. Karen related a story to me that once Jessica had finished the class and confirmed she wished to be baptized she had asked if someone specific could do the job on the Baptism Sunday we’d be having in a few weeks. Karen shrugged and said, “Well, who?”
Karen then looked at me and said, “She wants you to baptize her.”
To which I said, “Um, is she crazy?” To wit, I am not a certified minister. I’m a volunteer. I’ve got no theological degrees hanging on my walls. All my biblical knowledge has been learned freely in my service working in toddlers rooms to 5th grade children’s church. The word “pastor” “priest” or “father” is so far off the mark with me it’s pretty hilarious. And yet here was a 3rd grade girl saying she’d have no other person to baptize her than me.
I still don’t know why she chose me but apparently I had an impact in working with her leading worship and helping her learn to teach, minister and love. I don’t think that’s anything special to be proud of honestly. I was just doing what I’m supposed to do in ministry. I will never forget the experience of baptizing Jessica under the bright lights and eyes of the entire congregation. Her entire family was there to watch and be proud.
I was of course terrified that I’d screw it up. With some prayer and support of Karen I managed. I will never forget that moment.
