Name three PERFECT movies. No argument. No explanation. Just three flicks you think are perfect. JAWS IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE CASABLANCA

The CREC reported nearly 4,000 baptisms over the past three years. That's about eight baptisms per church per year, on average. Considering that our average congregation has around 85 worshipers on Sunday, the number is remarkable. That means nearly a tenth of the average congregation comes to the font each year. Some larger congregations report over 30 baptisms annually. It's not hard to see why this number is so high: the CREC cultivates a culture of covenantal continuity where children are raised in the faith of their fathers. Further, many Baptist families who come in gladly and gradually embrace this covenantal understanding, and in time, bring their children to the font. While we continue to see young people and adults coming to baptism, the vast majority of our baptisms are infants. This reflects something fundamental about how we view the Church. Our congregations believe God's covenant promises belong to believers and their children, and that these children should be nurtured from their earliest days in the faith and obedience of Jesus Christ. The font, therefore, is not an occasional feature of congregational life but a visible testimony to God's faithfulness from one generation to the next. And the font leads naturally to the table. These are two central pieces of furniture in the household of faith. The child who is welcomed into the covenant through baptism is also welcomed to the covenant meal, where the same Lord who receives our children nourishes them throughout their lives. One of our favorite hymns sung during baptisms is the traditional Lutheran piece "God's Own Child I Gladly Say It." It encapsulates who we are as a people and how we view the status of our little ones: There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise! #CRECstats

To rest, go to the woods Where what is made is made Without your thought or work

Ligon Duncan is the rare breed of high level intellectual capacity, robust theological training, seasoned pastoral experience, strong organizational leadership, clear and compelling communication style, and deeply formed Christian character. What a gift to the church.