It may seem like a time of deprivation. New believers received teaching to make them ready for baptism, which would occur on Easter. Becoming a new person in Christ and a member of his church were connected to celebrating Christ's rising from the dead. We can take our cue from the early church's practice but expand it. We all do.
Biblical illiteracy seems pervasive.
Tony Campolo was with important leaders from the media, government, and the arts on a New Year's weekend gathering. Almost two-thirds of Americans today don't grow up in the nurture of the church. Many congregations are making new and creative efforts to reach these people. We now have a church filled with unchurched people. The challenge is to teach and form those inside the doors of our churches into the knowledge and practice of Christian faith.