On that Sunday morning, an unmistakable energy filled Urbana United Methodist Church. Something special was about to happen. Soon, a line of 20 people—adults, teenagers, toddlers and babies—stretched from one side of the sanctuary to the other, awaiting baptism into the community of faith. This scene is becoming increasingly common at Urbana UMC, which has seen a dramatic rise in requests for baptism.

Pastor Christopher Dinnell credits the Holy Spirit for this movement within the church. “People are looking for an authentic encounter with the living Jesus. We help people understand what it means to begin your life with Christ and how to live out your baptism,” Dinnell said.

Urbana UMC embraces newcomers from all backgrounds, including those with different denominational experiences and those with no previous church affiliation. The diversity of beliefs about baptism makes open discussion essential, Dinnell said. “I make no assumption that everyone understands the same thing about baptism.”

Quarterly classes and inclusive services ensure that everyone can participate in and understand baptism. Dinnell even incorporates the church’s children into services, encouraging them to gather around the baptismal font and immersion tub. “We allow them to put their hands in the water and pray over it with me,” he said. “I want them to be able to touch it, feel it.”

Dinnell teaches that baptism is not just symbolic but marks a transformative entry into a lifelong journey of discipleship. The church encourages involvement in small groups and acts of service.

“Declaring faith is the first step, and in many ways, the easier step. It’s living out faith that can be challenging,” Dinnell said.

Phillip Kellenberger’s story illustrates this journey. Baptized at Urbana in the 1960s, his church attendance became sporadic over the years. After marrying, Phillip and his wife, Darci, discussed attending church but never fully committed.

Then, after their granddaughter Hope participated in Urbana’s Vacation Bible School and asked to be baptized, the Kellenbergers felt compelled to reconnect with the church. Another year passed, but last summer, everything changed. Phillip recalled, “The music was loud. Lights were flashing. I watched as all these kids and adults were filled with excitement. At that moment, something sparked in me.”

He reached out to Pastor Dinnell about Hope’s baptism. Dinnell encouraged both Phil and Darci to remember their own baptism, and on the same day, all three made a commitment to live out their faith as followers of Jesus Christ.

Phillip describes “a quietness in his heart, a sense of calm.” Once a self-proclaimed worrier, he now relies on God, confident he is never alone. “I have had an awakening and believe God is in charge of my life,” he said. “God made a way, through my granddaughter, to get us back into church and it has changed our lives.”