Wouldn’t it be amazing if in 2025 every single one of our baptistries is used right across our Union?’
 
This hope (and challenge) from General Secretary Lynn Green lies at the heart of the latest edition of Baptists Together magazine. ‘Believers’ baptism is foundational to our movement, and baptisms are closely matched to new believers’, writes Lynn. ‘Surely this is significant. If our hearts are committed to responding to Jesus’ Great Commandment and Great Commission, we will be praying and living in ways that see people coming to faith in Jesus and becoming his followers.’
 
So while there is much to be explored about baptism – just look at ‘Delving Deeper into Baptism’ on page 45 – this edition is predominantly about encouraging us to be ready for baptism, and what this means as a body of believers.

There are promising signs of an upward trend in baptisms as captured in the latest annual returns, quoted on page 8. A small sample of the stories behind these figures are shared on pages 17-30, which show the variety of contexts in which believers’ baptisms are taking place: all around the country, in established churches, pioneering settings, and chaplaincy ministries. Many had not experienced baptism for years. Some have discovered people in their congregations who were yet to be baptised, but responded positively to an invitation. As Andy Goodliff explains on page 9, Baptists and baptism go together.
 
What’s clear is there is no one way to ensure baptisms in your church. The common denominators, such as they are, appear to be sensitive pastoral care towards those who are searching; a willingness to share our faith in contextual ways; and a practical readiness to baptise. It is our prayer the stories in these pages serve to encourage and spark ideas appropriate to your own context.
 
Many are reporting seeing people with no faith background expressing an interest in Jesus, or just turning up at a Baptist church. As these seekers learn more about the God who loves them and in whose image they are made, they are prepared to take that next step and make a public declaration in Jesus.
 
Could this be at your church?
Are you ready for baptism?


The main articles in the magazine are featured below: