Baptism

A young person in a blue shirt emerges from the water during a baptism, wiping their face as two men assist them on either side under a blue sky.

Why be baptized?


If you’ve decided to follow Jesus, baptism is your next step!
It’s a chance to go public with your faith and celebrate what God is doing in your life with your community.


We want to follow Christ’s example.
At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river. Mark 1:9

Jesus commanded it.
Jesus said, “Go then, to all the people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Matthew 28:19-20

An older man with a white beard and a woman, both in wet blue t-shirts, emerge from the water with arms raised in celebration during a baptism.


What is Baptism?




Outward celebration of inward change!

When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! 1 Corinthians 5:17

Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me. John 12:26


It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian.

When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! 1 Corinthians 5:17

By your baptism then we are baptized with him and share his death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead also we might live a new life! Romans 6:4

Baptism does not make you a believer.

It shows that you already are one. Baptism does not save you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it is an outward symbol of the commitment that you made in your heart.

For it is by grace that 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

Like Jesus was baptized, by being immersed in water.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. Matthew 3:16

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under the water.

Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water… Acts 8:38-39

The Greek word baptizo means “to immerse or dip under the water.”

It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the world imports and the mystery signifies. Martin Luther

The word “baptize” signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church. John Calvin

Buried with him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to custom of the first church. John Wesley

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ.

Those who believed 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

The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and share their belief. We do provide baby dedications for parents looking to commit their kids to God's way of life.

As soon as you believe.

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 eunuch said, “Look, here is some water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?” Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” The Official answered, “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God.” Then Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:36-39 [paraphrase]

There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized.

Our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized since you became a believer in Christ. It does not devalue a prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized.

Can we all be baptized?

Yes. If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his or her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

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