I just got done adding insights and practical helps from five years of church planting to the Baptism & Its Significance booklet in the Constructive Conversations series. Please consider picking up a copy for yourself, as well as posting a review. Here’s the new description:

Baptism is an initiatory rite that’s connected with amazing truths that many Christians meditate on for a lifetime. Truths full of mystery, joy, grace, and good news. Truths about how God lavishes his love on children, adults, and families. Not all churches agree, however, on why it should be done, how it should be done, and when it should be done.

This booklet was written to give guidance on these questions in a way that is thorough and honest, strengthens discipleship, and promotes the unity of Christ’s Church. It’s ideal for new Christians, baptismal candidates, small groups, and parents who want to have their children baptized.

Freshly updated in 2025, it includes these bonus tracks: how to make the most of your child’s baptism, a challenge to my Baptist friends, and critical concerns for church leaders.

Also, Lent is upon us and here’s my favorite definition from this great resource:

“Lent is meant to be the Church’s springtime, a time when, out of the darkness of sin’s winter, a repentant, empowered people emerges.” 

As Pam and I participate in this year’s spring cleaning of the soul, I’m thinking a lot about this prayer:

“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation.” (Psalm 85:6-7, ESV)

In his excellent devotional Psalter, Dane Ortlund helpfully points out that “in praying for renewal, the psalmist leads us in acknowledging that we cannot manufacture inner renewal on our own. We need God to intervene. We need him to work.”

Just like baptism is a sacrament and symbol of God’s work– not ours, may He revive your soul today deliver you from any winter blues, and give you fresh fire for a new season!