Impromptu

This Sunday I was singing at a church with a seminary choir.  These visits we take to other churches are a way to get a small glimpse into the way other churches function, and this Sunday was no exception.

We knew that there were to be multiple baptisms during the service and had even rehearsed a song with a baptism theme.  It was no surprise, then, when in the middle of the service two babies were brought forward, cradled by their parents.  There was also an older woman who was joining the church and also was being baptized.  The physical ritual wasn't grandiose, as is the reserved way of the reformed tradition, but the water used had traveled from the Jordan river, adding a certain sense of profundity to the occasion.

You could feel the congregation smiling throughout this part of the service.  Questions about infant versus believer's baptism aside, there is always a joy that comes along with bringing babies to the front of a service.  Pastors coo over them just like any other person would.  For a moment, I believe we catch a glimpse of the unfiltered delight of God.  We are able to see the best part of what it might mean to be in God's family.

It was when everyone was reveling in that moment that the pastor interrupted with an extra addition to the service.  A couple who had been called forward to make a declaration of faith in joining that particular congregation had revealed that they had never been baptized and would like to do so.  The pastor had quickly adapted and announced to us all that we would have two more baptisms to celebrate.

"You have put on Christ
In Christ you have been baptized
Alleluia
Alleluia"

Immediately, my sensibilities were rattled. How could they do that?  Wasn't there some kind of baptism class?  Don't we have rules about this?  Can you really just decide to be baptized on the spot like that?  Is that even respectful?

Once I was able to quiet myself, I was able to see the joy radiating off of the couple who were being baptized.  Maybe they understood the full historical and spiritual significance of baptism, and maybe they didn't.  But when I looked at them, I realized it was okay if they had watched the baptism of others and realized that they wanted to be part of the family too.  I have a feeling that the Jesus who was baptized in the Jordan would agree with me.