What is baptism?
Baptism is a symbol of salvation. When you go down into the water and come back up, it signifies the “old you” dying and being buried, and then being raised to life with a fresh start. A new you!
Every Christian should be baptized! If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and you’ve put your trust in Jesus to save you, then you you’re ready to be baptized!
Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life.
The Apostle Paul, Writing to the Romans
Preparing for Baptism
Scripture to read
Read Romans chapter 6 →
- Baptism is like you are going through a reenactment of how Christ died, was buried, and resurrected.
- As Christ died, your “old self” dies.
- As Christ was resurrected, your “brand new self” is alive!
- Because of Christ’s death and resurrection:
- Death no longer has power over you!
- Sin no longer has power over you!
- So then, make it your practice to live this way: As someone who is no longer a slave to sin!
The Day of Your Baptism
- Wear dark clothes to maintain modesty
- Bring a change of clothes and a towel
- Feel free to invite anyone you want to come watch!
After the baptisms, we’ll take time to pray with everyone who has been baptized. Be open to what God wants to say to you during that time! Sometimes people have words from God that they will share with you.
If you haven’t been filled with the Holy Spirit, but would like to, this would be a good time to ask for people to pray with you for that!
Baptism Questions
Do I need to be perfect before I get baptized?
No. You just need to believe in the good news that Jesus died as a payment for your sins, and turn away from living your own way and choose to follow Him. If you’re ready to follow Jesus, you’re ready for baptism.
Does baptism make me saved?
Baptism is connected to salvation, and in the New Testament people were often baptized immediately after they put their faith in Christ. However, we believe that putting your faith in Christ is the only thing necessary for salvation. See John 3:16, Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 16:31.
Baptism in water, baptism of the Holy Spirit
Trusting in God for salvation, baptism in water, and being filled with the Holy Spirit: all three often happened close together in the Bible. Be open to also receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit when you are baptized in water!
What about kids baptism?
We believe that when a child understands the gospel and has decided to choose to follow Christ, they’re ready to be baptized! For very young children (who aren’t able to understand the gospel clearly yet), we practice something called child dedications—we have a ceremony where the parents officially “dedicate” their child to God.
