Yarr! The preacher claims the surge in shipmates gettin' baptized be a sign o' yearnin' fer truth in this bilge-ridden world.
2023-12-17
Arr, Pastor Wayne Bray o' First Baptist Church o' Simpsonville parleyed wit' Fox News Digital 'bout th' mighty explosion o' baptisms that hath befallen his swellin' church.
The pastor of a Baptist church in South Carolina believes that the recent surge in baptisms is a sign that people in today's "weird" and "angry" culture are seeking the "grace and truth" of the Gospel. Pastor Wayne Bray of First Baptist Church of Simpsonville expressed his belief that the rare combination of grace and truth in today's world is attractive to people. He believes that God has blessed his approach to forming the faith of his congregation, as evidenced by the rapid growth of his church in the last decade.Recently, the church conducted a record-breaking 141 baptisms in one day, significantly more than their normal monthly numbers. Pastor Bray attributed this increase to a change in their process, allowing attendees to make their decision to be baptized on the day of the service. He expressed his gratitude and amazement at the response, stating that he had never seen anything like it in their church.
Bray believes that in a politically and culturally divided time, his church's emphasis on love, grace, and speaking the truth in a loving way is what attracts people. He aims to transcend the aggressive culture by prioritizing love for others while not compromising on his convictions. He sees the record number of baptisms as a sign of revival and the movement of the spirit, rather than a means for personal gain.
Bray is grateful for the impact his church is making on people's lives and looks forward to opening a new church site soon. He finds fulfillment in knowing that people's hearts and minds are being changed and stepping from death to life. Ultimately, he believes that the desire for grace and truth in a culture of anger and defense is what draws people to his congregation.