Why you should stop asking people to invite Jesus into their heart

I recently baptised one of the security guards at our hotel in Uganda. I didn’t ask him to pray a prayer. I shared the gospel and challenged him to turn and believe and be baptised.

Years ago I was convinced from the New Testament that baptism, not praying a prayer, should be the expression of repentance and faith in response to the gospel. Yet I wasn’t consistently including the call to be baptised when I shared the gospel. It was often an addition after someone surrendered to God through a prayer.

Here’s the New Testament norm:

Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

Baptism is the doorway to discipleship—not putting your hand up, walking the aisle, or praying a prayer. If someone’s not ready to be baptised, they’re not ready to be a disciple. That is the New Testament pattern. That’s why when I share the gospel I’m going to challenge people to put their faith in Christ, turn and make him their King and be baptised.

Related: Why all the fuss about baptism?