I have purposely left the issue of baptism for a couple of weeks to let the dust settle and to give some of those dialogue with me to the opportunity to have a think and, where necessary, regroup.
There are a few areas we still need to consider and these cover such things as the sacramental nature of baptism (for there is more going on than the mere image before us might suggest.
There is the part that baptism plays in the single atoning and salvific act of Jesus, the Christ, on the cross.
There is the stuff that some have made it (baptism), elevating it to the point where it becomes the source of eternal life, forgiveness and much, much, more.
There is a need to try to understand whether we are restricted to something formulaic or free to just 'go, dunk and celebrate' (a quote from a colleague) as some seem to think, What makes a baptism valid and who is fit to receive it (adult, children, all - those who understand*)
The last are to finish this part of the journey is, for me, that of language. A colleague recently (proudly) proclaimed that they, 'Left out most of the words from the current service because they didn't apply.' I have to say that, generally speaking, I think they do apply and the error is not to be found in the words but in the preparation of those coming forward for baptism and the manner in which the service is enacted. The words provide a great opportunity for informing those present and since in my experience, there is no sermon in the short Sunday afternoon slot, this is a gift to the person doing the service.
The journey so far has led me to think of baptism as something that confers membership of the Church and opens the door to the person becoming a Christian - a rather loose term that implies that having that badge confers something that it doesn't. Being 'Christian' is about being a disciple and since I have met many (from ALL church groups, denominations and affiliations) who have been baptised and have never made good their baptismal calling and are certainly not easily recognised as being disciples I have to say that (using the lyrics to a favourite song) that when it comes to baptism: There must be more than this!
I fear it is arrogant, ignorant, or perhaps merely foolish, to presume that a church with those who were baptised as infants are 'unbelievers' in exactly the same way that others see them as 'saved and redeemed' when lifestyle, commitment and their own words prove them not to be. Salvation comes by hearing and doing and unless we preach Christ in and out of season and 'encourage' our members to grow in the faith and become fully-fledged, equipped and released followers of the Way then we condemn them to something less than fullness in their faith and stand condemned in our ministerial inadequacies.
You know - Justin Welby was right about 'Good Vicars' - we need to focus on bringing them in and through to baptism as the 'Go' of the Christian Monopoly board and then along the squares that confer understanding, commitment, engagement, calling (and we are all called) and through to the final square (marked 'eternity with the Boss') rather than all the really important issues that we dissipate our energies on (you know the causes, the rights and the issues I'm sure). Yes, I'm sure they are all 'really important ' and that we do need to make a stand - but we need to get out priorities right and what's the point of getting freedom for people to like (or dislike) Marmite if at the end of the day the bigger issues have been left unattended to and they are doomed because of that shortfall?
So - roll up you sleeves - be prepared to engage and dialogue and respond in a positive and challenging (for we all like to be challenged, don't we?) manner. For this is an issue we need to deal with.
And then we need to ask - what about the person from across town who comes and asks for baptism because their local church wants them to attend for three months - or the person who wants a baptism in a club because 'it will save them having to travel to and from it to the church for the service' ?
Let's play :-)
* If understanding becomes a requirement then few would be baptised or receive communion and fewer still would be baptised!
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