Seven-minute solution to reaching young, multi-media generation

Sep 28, 2005

JACKSONVILLE (FBC)–Despite many successful evangelistic events Woodland Baptist Church in Bradenton held for community children, something seemed amiss when it came to enlisting students to be baptized—until the church created a seven minute solution.

“We had a tremendous number children attending our evangelistic activities and accepting Christ, but we were having a difficult time baptizing them,” said Jennifer Passmore, children’s director at Woodland.

After looking at the situation with a critical eye, Passmore said she realized a tool was needed to help children move toward the church’s end goal of equipping all members to become servants.

“When I evaluated the ministry I saw a need to find the missing pieces that would help students along in their faith and on the road to the next step of baptism,” Passmore said.

So she set out to find the resources to teach the significance of baptism to children. In the end nothing seemed appropriate for the young people in the communities where the church ministers.

Two years later, her search resulted in a seven-minute DVD produced by Woodland Baptist and underwritten by the Florida Baptist Convention.

The DVD, “Baptism Central,” relates baptism to a birthday party celebrating the spiritual birth of a new life in Christ and answers practical questions such as what to wear and how to breathe. It also approaches the symbolism involved by baptism through immersion.

Chris Lybarger, pastor of Rima Ridge Baptist Church recently used the “Baptism Central” DVD during a sermon on baptism. Lybarger was so pleased with the tool he requested copies to keep on hand for anyone of any age in his church that makes a profession of faith.

“I plan to give a copy of the DVD to every person child or adult who makes a decision to follow Christ at Rima Ridge because the message is so easy to understand and answers all possible questions about baptism,” Lybarger said.

Lybarger added “because we live in a multi-media generation” the DVD is an effective way to gain and keep the attention of young people and adults as they learn about baptism.

Don McCutcheon, director of the Evangelism Strategy Department, said he is recommending “Baptism Central” for use in Sunday School, Life Groups, children’s worship, adult worship and Vacation Bible school.

“‘Baptism Central’ is a unique DVD that explains the meaning and mechanics of baptism through a medium that is easily understood,” said McCutcheon. “The DVD produced excellent results at Woodland Baptist and is a much needed, valuable resource.”

Copies of the DVD have been distributed to all Florida Baptist churches. For additional copies or information contact the Evangelism Strategy Department at 800-226-8584, ext. 3094.

Email this Article Print this page