What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment made to Christ.

Baptism does not make you a believer - it shows that you already believe.

Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Baptism does not wash away your sins, it symbolizes that Christ washed them away. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it's the outward expression of the commitment you have made in your heart.

 

Why should I be baptized?

To follow Christ's example. (Mark 1:9)

To obey Christ's command. (Matthew 28:19-20)

To show you are a Christ-follower. (Acts 18:8, 1 John 2:3, Matthew 10:32)

To identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-5)

To illustrate your new life in Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4)

Your baptism is a public testimony of your faith in and commitment to Christ.

 

How should I be baptized?

The biblical examples of baptism were done by immersion or being submerged briefly under water. Jesus Himself was baptized by immersion according to Matthew 3:16.

 

Immersion best symbolizes death and new life which is the imagery of baptism. In Romans 6:3-5 we find that baptism is symbolic of death, burial and resurrection.

 

When should I be baptized?

After you give your life to Christ. (Acts 2:38, Acts 35-38) As soon as you have given your life to Christ and have received Him as your Savior, you can and should be baptized.

At what age is a child ready to be baptized?

The Bible gives no age for when a child is ready to be baptized. For baptism to be a meaningful experience and expression of faith, its significance should be understood. Our desire is for a child to understand this important step of baptism in his/her life.

 

In child development, typically when children reach the age of 8 or 9, they gain the ability to understand abstract concepts. That being said, each baptism should be determined on a child-by-child basis and we ask that parents and child(ren) meet with one of our Pastors prior to attending the Baptism class.

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What takes place at a baptism?

At the beginning of a baptism service the pastor will pray and then briefly explain the meaning of baptism. One of the pastors will introduce you and the other participants and share a brief description of your testimony. When it is your turn to be baptized, you will get into the water and walk to the end of the baptismal tank. The pastor baptizing you will say, "I baptize you in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." The person baptizing you will briefly lower you backwards under the water and then raise you back up. You can then leave, towel off, change clothes and/or watch others being baptized.

 

What if I have special needs? 

Baptism is a public profession of our faith in Jesus Christ. However, private baptism can be performed in special circumstances. Please contact us for more information or details.

 

Ready to get baptized? 

For those who desire to be baptized, the following information is provided to prepare you for this very meaningful step of faith. First, you need to sign up. Once you sign up, we will contact you and invite you to our Baptism class (required in order to be baptized). We conduct baptisms on a Sunday morning during both services.