I laughed out loud in church yesterday. It wasn’t because the preacher told a joke, nor was it because something funny happened. I laughed out of sheer joy when someone was baptized into Christ.

My wife and I were worshipping at Indian Creek Christian Church in Indianapolis, one of our favorite churches to visit. “The Creek” does an excellent job of planning worship services that enable the worshipers to celebrate being in the presence of God.

 Baptisms are often done while the congregation is singing, and there is something about the music that makes the moment powerful. Furthermore, family and friends gather around the baptistery, and hugs and kisses often come before or after the believer is immersed into Christ. Baptisms are not hurried, and the suspense builds as we anticipate the wonderful moment. The congregation bursts into applause when the brand new Christian emerges from the water. And you just might see someone wipe away a tear, or even laugh out loud.

“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”—Luke 15:10