A Celebration of New Life: Baptism Sunday
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4
Crossway Wilmington’s church service on November 9th, 2025, looked markedly different from a typical Sunday gathering. It was also much different than a “typical” baptism Sunday as well. We always hope to see God move but we couldn’t have anticipated what he was about to do on that day!
Our body has recently been temporarily displaced out of our home building and into a local public school that, by God’s provision, is directly across the street from our church. Amidst the discomforts that come with meeting in a different location, God orchestrated the perfect venue for a baptism Sunday on the grass fields behind the school. He also blessed us beach town residents with historically warm and beautiful weather for November.
Attendees from both of our normal Sunday service times gathered as one with lawn chairs in tow to worship outside together and celebrate nine planned baptisms! These individuals represented multiple generations, including several elementary and junior high students who bravely shared their testimonies and acknowledged their new life in Christ as believers. A sweet mixture of proud parents and college friends had the privilege of baptizing their loved one while Crossway members cheered, honoring the public profession of faith by their brothers and sisters in Christ.
It was explicitly clear that the Holy Spirit was doing work that morning. This was made evident by the response of nine additional people who decided to profess their faith in Christ and be baptized that day! What a gift it was to see the courage of these image bearers to say “Yes!” to God’s call to obedience in that moment, despite fear or doubt or pride.
Alaina responded to the call to repent and be baptized. She shared about how she had recently attempted to take her own life. But God! He surrounded her with a community of seasoned believers and because of how they cared for her, and through the power of the Holy Spirit, Alaina now walks in newness of life.
Josh came forward Sunday morning to be baptized and 20 minutes later, his wife, Hannah, also came forward and was able to be baptized by her husband. Allison, a UNCW college student, came to Crossway for the very first time on baptism Sunday after having met Alex, a fellow college student and Crossway member, the week before. Allison gave her life to Christ that day AND she stepped forward to be baptized. Dwight’s two daughters and ex-wife all attend and are heavily involved at Crossway. He gave his life to Jesus recently and decided on Sunday to make a public declaration by getting baptized in front of his whole family. Praise God for each and every story that He intentionally wrote long before November 9th, 2025!
The events that transpired on baptism Sunday were a welcome reminder that every ounce of the credit goes to the Lord. The array of plastic folding chairs, antsy kiddos sneaking away to the donut and coffee table, and the imperfect sound system were in stark contrast to a smooth and “comfortable” Sunday morning. It was the presence of prayer before, during, and after the service where God moved. The glory of God was seen in the testimonies, the truth shared, and total submission to God’s Lordship as heard in the many public proclamations.
When a believer was baptized, as is our tradition, pastor Matt would proclaim, “Now walk in newness of life!” to which everyone present responded, “Until the end, forevermore!” What a joyful noise was heard in downtown Wilmington that week. We thank God for each of these individuals walking in newness of life and pray they boldly share how the gospel has changed them with everyone they meet.
If you are a Crossway Network church leader and would like to post a story of God’s grace and faithfulness or an encouraging article here on the Crossway Network blog, please contact Clark Richardson. Don’t forget that you can always pull from the skills of gifted writers in your church body as well!