Baptism

Because we want to be obedient to Christ, as he said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit...” Matthew 28:19 (ESV). This is the first and most important reason for being baptized. But baptism also serves as a reminder of what Christ did for us on the cross and baptism is an acknowledgement of your faith in Christ before family and friends.

Baptism illustrates Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection and is commanded by God’s Word: “...that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures,…” 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV). Christians can look back on their baptism as a way to remember and understand the sacrifice Christ made for us.

Baptism illustrates a believer’s new life as a Christian: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” Romans 6:4 (ESV). While baptism does not save you, baptism should remind us that God loves us and that we are now living a new life.

You should be baptized soon after you commit your life to Christ, there is no reason to delay. You are ready to be baptized the moment you give your life to Christ as your Lord and Savior.If you’re waiting until you’re perfect, you’ll never be ready. (Acts 2:41)

It is also important to know that it is never too late to be baptized. Many people, for a variety of reasons, wait and end up being baptized well after becoming a Christian. While this is not the way Jesus designed baptism to work, it is still important for a believer to be baptized even if it has been years since becoming a Christian. There is no reason to wait.

It is a joyful thing to see our children respond to Jesus, and when a child makes the decision to be baptized, we think it is a really big deal. That’s why we do things for kids who want to get baptized that we don’t do for adults. If you are in 6th grade or below, completing the Baptism Booklet and meeting one-on-one with a Kids or Students staff member is a prerequisite for baptism (with a parent/caregiver). To get the process started, please register your child/student for an upcoming baptism weekend or register to be notified about future baptism opportunities.