WHAT IS WATER BAPTISM?
Water baptism is a practice that pre-dates Jesus! As people outside of the nation of Israel decided to convert to Judaism and follow the One True God, Yahweh, they would be baptized in water to complete that conversion to their new faith and their new dedication to the Lord God.
Thus, when John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordon River, and eventually baptizing Jesus in that same river, he is calling people to a renewed faith in God, and in particular to trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus is then baptized by John the Baptist at the beginning of his ministry to announce the kingdom of God and its present reality.
Thus, when John the Baptist is baptizing people in the Jordon River, and eventually baptizing Jesus in that same river, he is calling people to a renewed faith in God, and in particular to trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus is then baptized by John the Baptist at the beginning of his ministry to announce the kingdom of God and its present reality.
WATER BAPTISM
Following a Pattern & Practice
While our relationship with God is not dependent upon water baptism, we see a pattern throughout the book of Acts. That pattern is individuals who decided to place their faith in Jesus would be baptized in water. Thus, water baptism is a practice that Jesus endorses, and further, that proclaims to the world and those present, that there is a newness of life in Jesus that you share with Him!
By declaring your trust in Jesus through water baptism, you'll be joining with multitudes of individuals throughout history who've placed their trust and have dedicated their lives to following the One True God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
By declaring your trust in Jesus through water baptism, you'll be joining with multitudes of individuals throughout history who've placed their trust and have dedicated their lives to following the One True God, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
WHAT IS THE MEANING OF WATER BAPTISM?
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!” - Romans 6:4
Baptism is a picture of Jesus' burial and resurrection.
- “Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again.” - 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
- “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism, you were also raised with Christ.” - Colossians 2:12
Baptism is a picture of my new life as a follower of Jesus.
- “When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17
- “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith... it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9
Baptism is a picture and practice, not a promise.
As you can see, the picture of being buried is present in baptism. You are buried under the water (don't worry, for a short bit), and then raised out of the water. This is a picture of the new resurrection life you share with Christ. Just as he was buried, so also you've been buried. And just as He was raised to life, so also, are you raised to new life!
So, baptism does not promise you eternal life. Water baptism does show a picture of your identification with Jesus and sharing in His life, as you live each day moving one step closer to Him.
So, baptism does not promise you eternal life. Water baptism does show a picture of your identification with Jesus and sharing in His life, as you live each day moving one step closer to Him.
WHY DO WE DUNK PEOPLE?
When people were baptized in the Bible, they were dunked into and beneath the water. In fact, the Greek word, baptizo, actually means “to dip under water”. In addition, we “dunk” or immerse people because of the additional two important reasons:
(1) Jesus was baptized by being completely submerged under water.
- “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” - Matthew 3:16
(2) Every baptism recorded in the Scriptures was by dunking a person completely under water.
- “...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” - Acts 8:38-39
WHO & WHEN?
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has believed in Jesus and has committed to following Him.
- “Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…” - Acts 2:41
- “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” - Acts 8:12
- “Simon himself believed and was baptized…” - Acts 8:13
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed!
- “Those who believe...were baptized...that day!" - Acts 2:41
- “Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ´Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?´ Philip said, ´If you believe with all your heart, you may.´ The man answered, ´I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.´ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” - Acts 8:35-38
What if I'm not ready?
There is no reason to delay. But, if you're not ready, that's ok too! Once you have decided to receive Christ into your life you can be baptized. It's important to know though: if you wait until you are "perfect", you’ll never feel "good enough"! If you're ready, just let us know and we'll get a water baptism scheduled. If you're not ready, feel free to get in contact, talk some about it, and we will pray together and continue to wait.
IF I WAS A KID OR IF I AM A KID?
What if I was baptized as a kid?
Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. The purpose of water baptism is to publicly show your personal commitment to Christ. Thus, we encourage you to be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were "confirmed by baptism" as children.
Can my kids be baptized in water?
Kids water baptisms are different from the water baptisms mentioned in the Scriptures which seem to be consistently with those old enough to believe. However, there is a question of Cornelius' household being baptized (did it include his kids -- if he had any) and that's a good question! Parents, please go to our kids water baptism page to learn more about assessing if your child is ready for water baptism.
Can my family be baptized in water together?
Yes! If each family member understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we do encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. However, it is important to remember that baptism in our practice is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. Baptism is for those who can articulate their faith and trust in the Savior, Jesus.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR, BRING, OR SAY?
What should I wear when I am baptized?
We have a special baptism tee-shirt for you, our "Raised to Life" tee-shirts, that you will receive on the morning you come for your baptism. Please plan on wearing this for your baptism. Please also wear dark shorts or swim trunks.
What should I bring with me?
Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. If you bring some family and friends to celebrate with you, that’s totally cool too! If you need help, we will provide postcards and stamps to help you spread the word about your big decision!
Will I have to say anything?
If you'd like to share some of your story, then yes! Work with a pastor to be prepared to share something before your baptism. If you'd rather not, that's fine too! The person baptizing you may ask you a few yes or no questions before baptizing you, such as “Have you committed to following Jesus?” Be prepared to answer honestly!