Today I experienced another first. This is something I'm starting to realise is a consistent part of this journey; first times.
I watched several people get baptised, either for the first time or to reaffirm their vows to God. I enjoy listening to people openly share their passions and beliefs at the best of times, but hearing how different people had come to form a relationship with God and feel ready to make that further commitment to him was really interesting and somewhat inspiring. These people wanted to take that step because of what they felt God had done for them. Arriving at their decisions to officially hand everything over to him was triggered for various reasons; some had just felt a sign, whilst others had been through some quite horrendous times of homelessness or drug and alcohol addiction. I felt marvelled by how amazing these people think God to be based on how he has helped them and knowing that they're in a far better place now because of what they believe he has done for them.
I think the most amazing part of this service was how many people were present to share in the celebration of those taking that step. The church was filled with family and friends who don't ordinarily attend to pray and congratulate those important to them. Due to the increase of people attending, the worship felt next level. The volume, the joy, the faith...it all just felt like there was more of it filling the church. It made me realise once again how this setting brings about a huge sense of togetherness, passion and hope. So many different types of people from all walks of life were present in the building, yet everyone is sharing or is on a journey to understanding how to share the same message and belief.
Each person getting baptised had to read a testimony. Some were thoroughly detailed, pin-pointing exactly how they arrived at the point they are at now, whilst others were shared by those clearly nervous to address their faith in a public speaking scenario. However, one thing that didn't waver as each person spoke was the amount of joy and understanding in the room. No matter the person, no matter the journey, everyone could relate to a certain point. Personally, I felt quite emotional listening to a couple of them purely because I had no idea what some of these people had been through and I think them being on the other side of all those difficulties now because of what they believe God has done for them was so beautiful.
The theme of judgement, in the sense that there was a severe lack of it was definitely floating around the room today. It reminded me how non-judgemental church is as a place to be and to be honest, I think that's why I enjoy it so much. No matter what you've been through, who you are or what's going on in your life, the church will embrace you and make you feel like you matter.
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