Baptism
Baptism is for those who have made a decision to follow Jesus.
- It doesn't mean you're perfect.
- It doesn't mean you've got it all figured out.
- It does mean you're going public with your faith.
Who Can Get Baptized?
New Christians. Old Christians. Restart Christians. Young. Old. Women. Men. It's a proclamation that you are all in on following Jesus.
Does baptism make me a Christian?
Nope. It's a physical symbol of an invisible reality. Wearing a wedding ring doesn't make a couple married. It's a symbol of the reality that the husband and wife are married.
What about infant baptism? Or What if I was baptized as a baby?
The stories in Scripture point to people choosing to be baptized after they've made a decision to become a follower of Jesus (Acts 2:38; 8:36–38; 10:47–48; Acts 16:15 & 33; Acts 19:5).
The earliest story of baptism in the church is on the Day of Pentecost...
Acts 2:38–41
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call."
40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
Repentance is not something one can do for another. While we appreciate the heart behind infant baptism, baptism in the New Testament consistently follows a person’s own response to the gospel. Parents can raise their children in faith, teach them about Jesus, pray for them, and dedicate them to God, but they cannot repent or believe on their child’s behalf.
For this reason, we encourage parents who want to mark their commitment to raise their child in the faith to consider child dedication. Dedication is a way for parents and the church community to publicly commit to raising a child know and follow Jesus. Then, when that child is old enough to personally place their faith in Christ, they can choose baptism for themselves.
What if I was baptized before but haven't been living a life consistent with it? What if I've drifted?
We'll baptize you if you want to make a statement of starting fresh, but this isn't necessary. Because remember, baptism isn't salvation. It's saying you're for real now.
What should I wear?
Something appropriate to get wet in in public.
If you've got more questions or are wanting to sign up to be baptized let us know.