Baptism Testimonies: Sojourn’s Michael Bittel

We will celebrate another Baptism Sunday on March 14.  If you would like to take this important step in identifying with Christ and His bride, email baptism@sojournchurch.com or fill out our baptism registration form at sojournchurch.com, by Sunday, March 7.

And now, Michael Bittel tells the story of his salvation, which led to a recent baptism at Sojourn Gathered:

While a little boy, I occasionally went to church with my grandmother. That got old and I eventually stopped when I hit middle school.

The girl I started dating thereafter insisted that I attend church because it was the right thing to do. I agreed because I liked the girl. I started to fit in, getting to know those around me. They genuinely loved and cared for me. I belonged. The pastor even knew me personally, asking me if I was a Christian. With uncertainty, I responded “No.”—Mainly, because I didn’t know what a Christian was.

That Sunday, I went back to my girlfriend’s house for lunch and asked “What is a Christian?” They said a Christian was someone that believes in Christ, reads their Bible and prays—The basics.

I told them that I believed and did that stuff. So, I must be a Christian. I went back to talk to the pastor reporting the checklist of things I thought were requirements. I thought I believed. Shortly after I was sprinkled before the congregation.

I expected a big life change. Or, at least that is what people said to expect. I sure didn’t feel it.

Traveling through high school as a so-called “Christian,” I headed into college with the same girlfriend, dating another year. Cheated on, I felt my life had ended. My friend was gone. I was depressed thinking about my situation—I was tired of being who I was.

Another pastor cared enough to remind me people were truly worried about me. He said we should love people, but have Jesus Christ number one in our hearts. I knew my priorities were out of whack when I still considered my past girlfriend top of the list.

Moving on, I eventually met a Murray State campus minister playing basketball. I once again was asked if I was a Christian. “Of course,” I responded. Then the test questions followed.

I then realized how sinful my life was. My heart was not in Christ—Instead my heart was selfish toward me. This was the start of the path, feeling the determination of this pastor for me to truly know Christ.

I accepted the challenge for the upcoming New Years Conference where I experienced hours of biblical study and teaching. I knew then one night, with tears and chills, something in my life was about to change. I prayed, almost speechless, for God to change my life. I was saved—And, I knew I was, because of my understanding that Christ alone paid the debt of my sin and gave me new life. I knew Jesus Christ personally.

I continued to experience real church family through resources and study while finishing college. Now that I’ve graduated and found my church home, it’s time for me to profess my faith through baptism.