discouraging . Some overstate how hard the church is falling , but few would deny that many local churches are not doing well . Perhaps your church is one of them . Maybe you ’ re tired or disheartened . Maybe you ’ re hurting . Don ’ t give up . Your congregation is worth revitalizing .
In my congregation ’ s tradition , we baptize by immersion . Some baptisms are more memorable than others . I ’ ll never forget the young man who shouted , “ Let ’ s do this !” right before he was immersed . He was completely submitted to Christ , optimistic about God ’ s mission , and ready to share the gospel . He came up out of the water to roaring applause . His optimism was contagious . The church shared his hope .
I don ’ t wake up every morning saying , “ Let ’ s 21