April 2026 | 5
The Beauty of Celebrating New Life Through Outdoor Baptism Long before many churches had indoor baptistries, be- lievers in rural Appalachia were baptized in lakes, creeks, rivers, and farm ponds. In small towns across southeast Ohio, it wasn’t unusual for entire congregations to gather along a riverbank to celebrate new life in Christ. By Josh Remy, Southeast Region catalyst
While most churches in our region today have baptistries inside their buildings, congregations are increasingly re- discovering the beauty of celebrating baptism outdoors, inviting their communities to witness the moment. That spirit was on display last summer during a fami- ly fun day hosted by Faith Baptist Church in Belle Val- ley. The event included games, food, and activities for church families and the community. The highlight of the day was when several individuals made a public profes- sion of their faith in Christ through baptism in Seneca Lake. One of those baptized was Tommy. Tommy grew up in a household that did not acknowl- edge God. He would often say, “If I cannot see it, how can I believe it?” In recent years, he battled depression with bouts of alco- holism. Like many people, he carried the weight of these struggles in every part of his life. But through relation- ships with believers and the work of God in his life, Tom- my began to encounter the hope found in Christ. When he stepped into Seneca Lake, it marked more than just an emotional highlight at a church gathering. It be- gan a new chapter in Tommy’s life. “When Tommy started attending our church, the dark- ness and the depression that he was carrying were pal- pable. But over time, the walls in his life began to come down. He was at every service, asking great questions, and he began meeting with another member in the church for personal Bible study and guidance. “When he surrendered his life to Jesus, not only were the hosts of heaven rejoicing, but we were too! Tommy is now a shining example of the fruits of the Spirit. No longer is darkness and depression palpable, but the joy and glory of the Lord Jesus shines through him.” - Pas- tor Stephen Hannum, Faith Baptist Church. For Christians, baptism is more than a religious cere- mony. It is a public declaration of faith and a picture of transformation. Going into the water symbolizes leaving behind an old life, while rising again represents the new life that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. While Tommy’s example highlights a dramatic transfor- mation, every single baptism is a changed life on display
for the world to see. In an increasingly visual and experi- ential world, baptisms connect with people in ways that sermons sometimes can’t. The crowd on the beach that day took notice of the bap- tisms, but those in his circle witnessed Tommy’s new life. Just a few weeks ago, at a community church gather- ing, also sponsored by Faith Baptist Church, Tommy’s mother gave her life to Christ, prompted largely by the difference she had witnessed in her son. Having never attended church regularly in her life, she was moved not by the religious act but by genuine trans- formation. She plans to be baptized in the near future as evidence of her new life. Across southeast Ohio, churches, both large and small, faithfully share the gospel and walk alongside people through life’s difficulties. And sometimes, the results are seen in a local body of water just as believers in this region have done for generations. But as Tommy’s story shows, those moments are far more than tradition. They are about new life.
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