Written By: Kristen Czuchra
Every Monday morning, I walk into the sanctuary before heading to my office. In the stillness, I take a moment to thank the Lord for what He did the day before, and the work that is continuing to happen, even though we’re no longer gathered under one roof. This Monday was different. As I walked into the sanctuary, the stillness was staggering. Evidence of yesterday’s celebrations still lingered: bulletins left on chairs, music stands scattered, half-dried water spots on the carpet, and, of course, the baptismal- filled and ready just as it had been yesterday. Less than twenty-four hours ago we were in this very room witnessing something unbelievable. A true move of God. Teenagers, children, and grown men taking courageous steps of obedience, boldly declaring that their lives have been fully surrendered to Jesus.
Unprepared, unexpected, and unashamed.
Last Sunday was a monumental moment in the life of our church. Pastor Chris recounted that in May the Lord had spoken to him to hold baptisms as he preached on Colossians 2:12, and that if we filled the tank, He would bring the people. However, after weeks of advertising, no one had signed up. Despite feeling discouraged, the decision was made to stick to the plan regardless of who added their name to the list. Three days before baptisms, we celebrated as one child signed up- the jolt of encouragement we all needed to keep up our faith. However, the Spirit had spoken clearly to Pastor- “if you fill the tank, I’ll bring the people.” People? Or person, Lord? The Spirit confirmed that Pastor Chris was to offer baptism on the spot as a response to the message, regardless of the logistical challenges of baptizing people who aren’t prepared to be plunged under the water.
So, he did. We worshiped together, he preached, and at the end of the message, he entered the tank, inviting up anyone to participate who had given their life to Jesus and needed to take a step of obedience in going public with their faith.
A few moments of reflection passed that felt longer than they actually were. Music playing, hearts stirring, hopefully waiting- until it all broke.
First, one precious lady came forward- expressing how good Jesus had been to her, despite the unworthiness she felt.
Next, a young dad- desiring to lead his family in following Jesus.
Then, a teenager, through heartfelt tears expressed Jesus’ love and care for her in the midst of difficult circumstances.
And another- challenged to obey despite uncertainties.
After that, a pre-teen boy who has been dealing with anxiety, desiring to give his life completely to Jesus.
Then the one that was planned, with bold, articulate confidence- believing that Jesus can exchange his sin for goodness.
Worship continued as more came forward:
An expression of a recommitment to Christ after having walked away from faith in years prior.
A young girl who had been waiting, sharing with her mother that she was ready for this step.
Next a committed father, husband and church leader, clearly moved forward by the Spirit.
And another- with a desire to never give Jesus his second best, but to give him first place.
Without a dry eye in the sanctuary, we worshipped and thanked God for the work only He could do. Only God can turn one into ten.
After service, one of our board members, Malcolm Brubaker, approached me. With a wide smile on his face he shared his mutual joy in what he had witnessed, “We need to mark this day on the church calendar, this is a turning point in the history of Grace.” By faith, I added to the church calendar “Spontaneous Baptisms (2025)- Remember and Celebrate” to Sunday, July 20th.
As we took time to reflect as a staff, each of us felt that there were lessons that God taught us through this experience. I’m sure you may have a few tucked away in your heart as well. I’d encourage you to write them down while they’re fresh in your mind. Meanwhile, I pray that our takeaways will be encouraging to you:
One person’s obedience can be another person’s courage.
Someone had to lead the way in going first. Just as it only takes one small spark to start a fire, the obedience of the first woman stepping forward gave others courage to do the same. We celebrate and embrace spiritual boldness.
2. There are seeds that are sown that you don’t know about. Keep watering them.
We have the privilege of knowing the names and stories of those who came forward to be baptised. As we recounted their journeys, we recognized the seeds that had been planted by friends, family, church members, Sunday School teachers, and prayer warriors all leading up to this decision point. While we will never hear all of these faith stories, we realize that many of them were years in the making- all orchestrated by God. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.” We are people who plant and water seeds of faith.
3. Small steps of consistent faith and obedience lead to a powerful move of God.
What we witnessed on Sunday wasn’t one big moment, but the culmination of many small, unseen moments of obedience: prayers prayed, spirit lead conversations, and setting up the tank when no one was looking. We are people of long obedience and far reaching faith, leaving the results to God.
4. Faith is not measured by confidence or how sure we are, but by our willingness to obey even if it seems impossible.
I’m reminded of the account of the father in Mark 9 that brings his son, who is possessed by a demonic spirit, to Jesus. The father petitions Jesus saying, “If you can, take pity on us and help us.” Jesus replies, “ ‘If you can,’...anything is possible for the one who believes.” We’ve all prayed “if you can” prayers, momentarily forgetting the power of God. Sunday was a faith building moment, when Jesus clearly exchanged “if” for “when” right before our eyes. We remember our humanity and God’s divinity, which leads us to see with eyes of faith.
5. We see people’s hearts- not just their exteriors.
Humans are funny creations. Drawn to what we can see and reason with, we easily forget that outside appearances are not reflections of the heart. As the Lord said to Samuel, ”The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7) We aim to look at the things God looks at, the way He looks at them. What’s lingering below what we can see? A moment of surrender, waiting to surface? A step of obedience, waiting to be taken? A dream, waiting to be fulfilled? A fear, waiting to be set free? We are people that see with our spiritual eyes.
Looking back on Sunday, there is a sense of disbelief about what I witnessed- was it a dream after all? Certainly not. Not a dream, but a miracle. Not a dream but an answer. Not a dream, but fruit- of prayer, faith, and obedience. Not a dream, but a move of God.
These lessons are just the beginning. In Part 2, I’ll share a few more lessons that struck our hearts. In the meantime, may we keep our spiritual eyes open, our hearts soft, and our steps in sync with the Spirit.
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20-21
