This professional paper explores preaching baptism to strengthen community identity in the context of Ascension Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado. This paper addresses how preaching can strengthen the community in its self-understanding of being the baptized. The author draws on two experiential theories of preaching: Mystagogy based on the work of Craig A. Satterlee and Preaching as Celebration based on the work of Frank A. Thomas. The author applies these theories to his preaching practice in order to strengthen the community's identity as the baptized. The author addressed the integration of these experiential preaching styles in preaching baptism. Finally, from feedback and responses he received, he draws some conclusions on the impact of his preaching project.
