Estuary Baptism Course
Immersed in a Radical Faith
FOLLOWING JESUS
What does the life of a radical first-century rabbi from Nazareth have to do with our lives today? What does it mean to follow Jesus where we live, learn, work, and play in Delta – land formed by the Fraser River as it empties into the Salish Sea? How might the justice-seeking, peacemaking, and compassionate way of Jesus both root and guide us in a time of social change, conflict, and uncertainty?
The Estuary Baptism Course is a place-based discipleship process designed for those who are interested in being baptized, who are curious about what it means to follow Jesus today, and who desire to pursue peace in all their relations.
Course Elements
In-person Sessions
Over four in-person sessions, participants will explore (through teaching, discussion, and group study of Mark 1:1-15) the ministry of Jesus, the meaning of baptism, the message of the gospel, the powers of empire and liberation, the benefit of spiritual practices, the role of the church, and what a placed-based discipleship looks.
A Present Guide
Each participant will choose someone (other than a parent) to help guide them through the course. This guidance will come in the form of an interview where the participant will ask their guide a series of questions (which will be provided) about their faith journey and what following Jesus has looked like in their life. Participants who desire to be baptized will also be encouraged to invite their guide to their baptism.
Saints of the Past
Participants will choose a saint (a Christian who has lived an inspirational life) to research, and will give a short oral presentation to the group. A list of saints will be provided to choose from, but participants can choose anyone they desire to learn more about.
Who Was Jesus: and What Does it Mean to Follow Him?
Participants will receive a copy of the book Who Was Jesus: and What Does it Mean to Follow Him? by Nancy Elizabeth Bedford. This short book is part of The Jesus Way: Small Books of Radical Faith series by Herald Press. Participants will read short excerpts between in-person sessions. Readings from other books in this series will also be supplied offering an Anabaptist understanding of a radical faith.
Baptism
For those who desire to be baptized, the course facilitators (Estuary pastors) will work with candidates to plan their baptism. Baptisms will occur in a place that is meaningful for the candidate (e.g., Boundary Bay, Fraser River, church, etc.). Baptisms can happen during a Wild Church gathering, church service, or another gathering.
Schedule
The course will take place over 4 in-person sessions. Monthly sessions will happen in March, April, May, and June 2024. Dates TBD based on participant availability. Date of baptisms will be coordinated with Estuary pastors.
