Faithful to our Baptismal Vows

I love infant baptisms. It isn't because the baby's are cute and frequently do things to disrupt the service.

I love baptisms because of what they stand for. They are not only a statement of inclusion, but a statement of communal responsibility. We pledge to the spiritual welfare of the child being baptized.

John Richardson writes about the failure of our baptismal responsibility in his Presbytery Outlook article - College Ministries: I am a big, fat liar.

It is worth reading and passing around your church and presbytery.

Here are three things you can do to fulfill your sacramental responsibilities.

First, if you have students from your church who are a way at college. Organize a gift campaign. For special events, send them a box of food and other thoughtful items. Also put them on your newsletter mailing list.

Second, go find the closest college, go to the student affairs office, and ask about what the college or university offers in the way of campus ministries. Get the name and contact information for the chaplain or campus minister, and ask them how your church can help.

A little effort goes along way. Build relationships, and students will realize that the church is a place to belong. Be creative in organizing opportunities for interaction and service. You never know what will come from your outreach to the campus.

Third, encourage your presbytery to include campus ministry in its annual budget. The money needs to be more than token support. If you consider campus ministry a mission outreach just like those to other countries, then you'll begin to understand the kinds of things you can do to make a difference.

If you have questions about what to do, ask your local campus minister or chaplain. They can give you all sorts of insight. Don't wait until you think you can do something. Just do something, and then build on that slowly. In so doing, you will begin to fulfill the baptismal vows that are so important to the future of our church.

Comments

[Dan Boles, Presbyterian Campus Minister, Kennesaw State University]

Thanks Ed! Great article. If anyone ever needs ideas on how to support campus ministry, they're welcome to give me a call; 404.384.7756.

Peace,

Dan Boles
Presbyterian Campus Minister
CELTIC CROSS PCM
Kennesaw State University
www.celticcross-ksu.org