If one were to look to the blogosphere, read the books, and pay even a little attention to current trends in the church world, you will know that church planting is being talked about all over the globe. There is always talk of church growth, building programs, worship styles, and the list goes on. These things are, of course, relevant to a great degree. But what really gets a church planter going is baptisms.

Recently, Cap City, the church planting vision of AGWM personnel, Brian and Misty Elliott in Cardiff, Wales, celebrated its first baptisms as a church family. After a brief time of worship and testimony at the church venue, 40-50 people paraded down to the local leisure centre and swimming pool for "the dunk." Two of the candidates were the daughters of the Elliotts, Olivia and Audrey. What a privilege to baptize your own children!

The other two who were baptized were Geraint and Kylie. Geraint had been to church before, but has really grown as a disciple while attending Cap City, and Kylie had never been to a church prior to coming to Cap City. In addition to seeing people making a public commitment to Jesus, the real thrill of baptism is the witness for friends and family. Many in attendance that night were parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends of Geraint and Kylie. Several mentioned how different Cap City was from other churches they had visited. “We weren’t expecting happy music!” and “This church is like none other!”

The Elliotts are praying for growth and viability and someday a successful building program, but they will never forget the real purpose of church planting as stated in Mark 16:15-16, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved…”