By Gary D. Myers
LAFAYETTE, La. -- Tucked away in two small rooms behind the sanctuary at East Bayou Baptist Church in Lafayette, La., hundreds of handwritten names cover the walls. Each name represents a person who came to faith in Jesus Christ and followed Him in believer’s baptism.
Just before baptism at East Bayou, the staff encourages new believers to sign their names on one of the changing room walls. Some leave notes expressing joy about their salvation. Others make sure to sign their names near other family members who have been baptized at East Bayou.
According to Pastor Mike Walker (MDiv ‘77), the “Changed Lives” walls represent East Bayou’s intentional commitment to evangelism and believer’s baptism.
East Bayou seeks its growth through conversions – especially adult conversions. Out of the 165 additions to the church in 2010, only 29 have come through transfer of letter. Eighty-two percent of those entering the membership have come through conversion. And the majority of those have been adults.
“Our growth, 82 percent of it, is through conversion,” Walker said.
East Bayou is very intentional about baptism. The church prioritizes baptism. The ordinance is never simply tacked on to the service. It is always given a prominent place. Walker is also very intentional about sharing the meaning of baptism.
“We’re baptized for one reason and one reason only and that’s obedience,” Walker said. “Jesus said we should be baptized and He gave us the example. Baptism does not wash away your sins. Baptism does not make you a believer. Baptism does not complete the act of salvation. Baptism is only for a public profession of your faith and obedience.”
Twice a year Walker devotes an entire Sunday morning service to the two church ordinances – baptism and the Lord’s Supper. He opens the service by teaching about baptism, followed by the baptism of new believers.
After the new believers are baptized, Walker gives an altar call for those who want to accept Christ and for those who have accepted Christ, but have not been baptized. Counselors are ready to meet with those who respond.
Walker then leads the church in the Lord’s Supper, teaching about the meaning as the elements are taken. To close the service, Walker baptizes some who responded during the altar call.
The first time Walker tried this approach in 2009, 38 people received believer’s baptism. Seventeen more were baptized the next Sunday.
As East Bayou focuses on evangelism, believer’s baptism and discipleship, lives are being changed. And the changing room walls, covered with names, serve as a powerful, ongoing witness of changed lives.
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