By Paige Gurgainers
What began as a vision five years ago has grown into a ministry that organizer, Chris Plants, says is focused on meeting people where they are… and this weekend, that mission will once again take them to the waters of Bayou Dorcheat.
Webster Parish Men of Courage will host its latest public baptism event at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 6, at the Dixie Inn boat ramp and park. Organizers say the event is open to anyone, regardless of church affiliation, background or life circumstances.
The baptism service, dubbed “Old School Dorcheat Baptisms,” is free to attend and free to participate in. No paperwork is required, no membership is needed, and organizers say everyone is welcome.
For Plants, the event represents the continuation of a calling he says God placed on his heart in 2021 when he founded Webster Parish Men of Courage.
Plants said the ministry was created to be an outward-facing effort focused on bringing faith beyond the walls of a church building and into the community.
“Jesus put it in my heart for it to be a true public ministry for all people,” Plants said. “No matter your race, your financial status, your past, your church background, or whether you’ve ever stepped foot inside a church before.”
The ministry has spent the past several years organizing public gatherings, prayer events and outreach opportunities throughout Webster Parish. Along the way, Plants says he began meeting people who expressed a desire to be baptized but did not have a church home or felt uncomfortable navigating a traditional church setting.
Inspired by the biblical account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in the Book of Acts, Plants said the ministry decided to offer public baptisms to those who had already professed faith in Jesus Christ and wished to take the next step.
Before participating, individuals are encouraged to understand the ministry’s beliefs regarding salvation and baptism. Plants said conversations with participants focus on their personal faith journey and understanding of Christianity.
“We want people to know that salvation comes through Jesus Christ,” Plants said. “Baptism is a public profession of that faith.”
One unique aspect of the event is its simplicity. Participants are not asked to complete membership forms, join an organization or commit to attending future events.
“We don’t vote on anyone. We don’t pass a plate. We don’t require membership,” Plants said. “If you’re part of God’s Kingdom, that’s what matters.”
Participants will also receive a free personalized leather-bound Bible engraved with their name, something organizers hope will help them continue growing in their faith after the event.
For many, the setting itself has become part of the experience. Instead of a sanctuary, baptisms take place in the waters of Dorcheat Bayou, in full view of the community.
“It takes courage to publicly declare your faith,” Plants said. “And there’s something special about being baptized in a place that people pass every day. Every time they cross Dorcheat, they’ll remember that moment.”
Organizers invite the public to attend, pray, celebrate with participants or learn more about the ministry’s mission.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at the Dixie Inn boat ramp and park.
As Plants puts it: “Let’s go down to the river and pray.”