BELIEVER'S BAPTISM
BAPTISM IMMERSES US IN THE STORY OF JESUS
For thousands of years, baptism has been a defining mark of followers of Jesus. Jesus started His ministry with baptism and then included baptism in His final command to His followers at the end of His ministry. When we take the step of being baptized, it immerses us into the story of Jesus. We die to all that is old and bury it under the water. We are then raised in the power of His resurrection to the new life we can experience in Him.
Baptism also serves as a powerful marker in your faith story. It is a reminder of the forgiveness, freedom, and relationship He initiated with you.
On some days, it is hard to really believe we are still forgiven. Some days, we find ourselves wrestling with old hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Some days, we just don’t feel like Jesus is very close. Those are the days when we can cling to that moment of baptism to remember that it’s not about what we’ve done for Jesus, but what Jesus has done for us.
If you have made a decision to follow Jesus and have not yet been baptized, we would love to be a part of that step in your faith journey!
COMMON QUESTIONS
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Jesus was baptized. Since then, millions of his followers have followed his example. Baptism is a way for you to do the same and participate in a common experience with Jesus followers around the world.
Baptism is a way to go public with your faith to show others that you have started a personal relationship with Jesus.
Baptism isn't necessary for salvation. It symbolizes the new life you began when you started following Jesus. It symbolizes your old life dying (going under the water) and your new life (coming out of the water).
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO GET BAPTIZED?
For baptism in one of our main services:
-
We'll want to talk with you and make sure you understand what baptism is and isn't. We also want to hear about your faith story so we can celebrate with you.
-
We will let you know when our next baptism service is and sign you up to be baptized on that date.
ARE THERE OTHER OPTIONS?
Yes! While we would love to celebrate your decision as a church family, anybody can be baptized anywhere. Some people choose to have somebody who played a significant part in their faith journey baptize them. Some choose to have a spouse or family member baptize them. Any Jesus follower can baptize. You can also be baptized anywhere - pool, river, lake, pond.
WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISM/CHRISTENING?
Some churches choose to christen or baptize infants. We understand scripture to teach that only people who have made the decision to follow Jesus should be baptized. Baptism does not make you a Christian. It shows that you already are one.
If you were baptized as an infant, it is likely your parents wished you to grow up to follow Jesus. Getting baptized as an adult is the perfect way to show that you are following Jesus!