Post-Baptism Thoughts

It's late. I'm a weary fellow. Getting up early tomorrow in order to get Meg to RTA is unavoidable. In the morning I'll regret staying up this late. But, I'm not quite ready to let go of today. Today was a good day.

The first time someone (well, Brent actually) called me "pastor," I was taken aback. I never thought of myself as anyone's pastor. I teach. That's my calling and my preferred gig.

I've had some very influential pastors in my life whom I dearly love. I've always held genuine pastors in high esteem. A pastor, to my way of thinking, is someone who watches for your soul, who loves you in the best and worst of circumstances, and who reminds you of what's really important in life. Ideally, a pastor is your theological mentor, although theology is something you can gleen from good books. But a book can't address your personal needs or hug you while you cry. A pastor adds the dynamic of relationship to Christianity.

Once in a while I get to do something that only pastors do. And it's a humbling, gratifying feeling. Pastors get to participate in some of the most important and intimate moments of life: like performing marriages or preaching funerals. But, the most joyous of all pastoral duties is baptizing believers. It doesn't get better than being part of someone's public proclamation of their Christian faith.

I can't quite put my finger on it. It might be that baptism connects us to two thousand years of Christian history. Or, it might be that we are following an ordinance commanded by the Lord Himself. But, for me, it's the personal side of it I find most fulfilling. I never tire of hearing people profess their confidence in the finished work of Christ. I enjoy the tears, the hugs, the affection, and the triumph of grace.

I'm certainly thankful God steered my course this direction. I love theology. I'm a doctrine wonk. I like to "dig deep." But, nothing's more gratifying than seeing the work of God bearing fruit.

Christianity is alive and well. Tonight we heard it proclaimed and embraced by people who wanted the public proclamation of their affiliation with the Son of God; in simplicity, clarity, and sincerity.

And man, it makes me thankful to be a pastor.

Today was good day.