Digging Deeper: Baptizing and Teaching — Sharing the Whole Gospel
“…baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19b-20a (NIV)
Baptizing and Teaching – Sharing the Whole Gospel
Yesterday, we looked at the slow, patient work of investing in people—building trust, laying a foundation, and discipling long before you ever open a Bible together. Today, we turn to what happens after that foundation has been laid.
Because there comes a moment in every disciple-making journey when the seeds planted in relationship begin to grow toward transformation. But here’s the beautiful—and sometimes challenging—truth: we don’t always get to see the harvest.
Sometimes we plant. Sometimes we water. Occasionally, we get to witness the moment that fruit begins to bloom. But every step is sacred, and all of it is God’s.
In 2018, I began working with a local girls’ high school basketball program. I was not a basketball player. I wasn’t even an athlete. I felt confident talking to the girls in the locker room before games—but when it came to building relationships with the coaches, I was completely out of my comfort zone. Still, I felt the Lord calling me to show up. To listen. To invest.
One of the coaches I met was a former player at that same school—young, newly in a leadership role, and figuring it all out in real time. We connected easily. She opened up. I listened. I didn’t push. I didn’t preach. I just showed up, week after week.
Then one morning, everything shifted. I got a 6 a.m. text: “Can we talk?”
In that moment, I knew—this was what the Lord had been preparing our relationship for. From that day forward, we began walking through some incredibly hard and deeply personal circumstances together. And slowly, we opened God’s Word side by side. We prayed. We studied. We asked big questions.
A few summers later, while walking the track between games at a tournament, she looked at me and asked if I would baptize her. It was one of the greatest honors of my life. And the transformation didn’t stop there—she joined the church, got involved in a small group, and started leading her team with faith and boldness. I watched as she became a woman who wasn’t just coached by me—but discipled by Jesus.
Moments like these are holy reminders that the gospel isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves—or halfway shared. Jesus called us to baptize and teach—to lead people into full relationship with Him, not just casual connection. That includes sharing the full truth of who He is, what He has done, and what it means to follow Him with our whole lives.
Let’s be honest: that can feel intimidating. Especially when the person you’re investing in has become a friend. We don’t want to pressure or offend. We don’t want to be “too much.” But the gospel, shared with love and grace, is never too much—it’s exactly what people need most.
Discipleship isn’t just about walking with someone through the hard parts of life. It’s also about walking them into the transforming power of Christ. It’s both/and—relational investment and gospel invitation. Trusting that when we’re faithful to share, the Holy Spirit is faithful to move.
So whether you’re planting seeds, watering them, or watching them bloom—keep going. Keep speaking. Keep sharing. You never know when you might get a glimpse of heaven right here on earth.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for the privilege of walking with others in both the quiet and the bold moments. Give me courage to share Your whole truth with love, patience, and joy. Use my story and my obedience to reflect Your grace and invite others into Your kingdom.
Reflect:
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Have you ever stopped short of sharing the whole gospel with someone because of fear or discomfort?
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What would it look like to take one small step of obedience this week—whether through conversation, invitation, or prayer?
Minda Seagraves has been married to her best friend, Russell, for 17 years and is mom to Carson and Maddie. She is also a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as a chaplain to local female high school teams and supports 380 staff across four states in the U.S. and 20 countries in East Africa as the Regional Director of Talent Advancement with FCA. Minda and her family live in Acworth and have been attending NorthStar Church since 2020.