Take the Next Step and be Water Baptized
A Step Toward Maturity
Water Baptism is one of the next steps after receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. Baptism was commanded by Jesus, practiced by the apostles and has been a regular part of true Christianity for nearly twenty centuries. Since professing Christ must come from the heart, a public symbol is necessary to prove our commitment to the new life and its purpose is to solidify your faith.
Those who have truly repented of sin, recognize the significance of what they are doing and desire to publicly proclaim their faith in Christ are qualified to be baptized.
What does it symbolize?
The Receipt of Salvation
As you enter the water you identify yourself with Jesus who humbled himself to death on a cross. When you are immersed you portray the death and burial of Jesus and thus your death to sin and self. As you are raised from the water you picture Christ who conquered sin and death. Now you live victoriously over sin.
The Cleansing of the Soul
Just as water removes dirt from our skin so baptism symbolizes the cleansing of our soul from sin.
The Putting On of Christ
When you are baptized you publicly state that you are done with sin to live exclusively for Christ. As a soldier puts on a uniform so you, by putting on Christ through baptism, declare your mission and allegiance to Jesus.
How is it done?
Each candidate will share a brief testimony and then walk into the baptistry and after the pastor pronounces the rite of baptism, he will lean them back gently in the water bringing them up very quickly.
Do I really need to be baptized?
Jesus commanded it to be done as a sign of allegiance to Him. He also, by example, demonstrated the importance of baptism.
Does water baptism make me a Christian?
Baptism does not save you from sin. Only the work of Jesus Christ on the cross can do that when you receive it by faith into your life. It is necessary as an act of obedience that proves the sincerity of your decision.
In whose name will I be baptized?
“I baptize you in the name of God the Father, God the Son, Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit.” These words express an understanding of the Triune God while recognizing the person and work of Christ.
What if I was baptized as a child and didn’t understand what I was doing?
Now that you are seeking to live for Christ with your whole heart, we suggest you go ahead and be baptized as an affirmation of your faith.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
Since infants have as yet no sin to repent of and are unable to understand the symbolism of baptism and are unable to choose Christ as Lord and Savior, we wait until they are mature enough to do so. If you were baptized as an infant, but have never been so after receiving Christ as Savior and Lord, you should be baptized.
Is baptism open to children?
Any child whose parent or legal guardian is fully convinced that the child understands what they are doing may be baptized. Children must be at least 7 years old. Parents or legal guardians are required to sign the application.
Practical Matters
- Please prepare a brief testimony about your experience with Jesus to share with the people before you are baptized.
- Bring a complete change of clothes, towel and any other personal care items you might need.
- Be sure the clothes you wear are modest when wet. As a rule, white should be avoided as it is very revealing when wet.
- Meet in the Sanctuary 20 minutes prior to the service.
- Invite family and friends to join you in celebrating your commitment to Christ! Ask for the complimentary invitations available at the Welcome Center that you can hand out to them to share in this great occasion.
Complete and submit the application below to be included for water baptism.