baptism guidelines

What is the meaning of baptism?

Baptism is a public profession of an inward confession. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection (Colossians 2:12). It also illustrates my new life as a Christian. “Therefore, we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Baptism doesn’t save you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like the wedding ring, an outward symbol of the commitment you’ve made in your heart.

how should i prepare?

We encourage you to pray and fast in preparation. In the early church, people often fasted the two days prior to their baptism. Expect God to move in a powerful way. Sometimes people are baptized in the Holy Spirit at their baptism, sometimes they experience an overwhelming sense of God’s love, sometimes they simply feel more peace. Press in to the Lord and seek His face. We will have a meeting for all of those getting baptized. We also encourage people to meditate on Romans 6 and Acts 8:26-40 and believe God to meet them in that moment.

who should be baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized (Acts 2:37-41).

when should i be baptized?

You should be baptized as soon as you believe (Acts 8:26-38). There is no reason to delay. In the New Testament, as soon as a person decided to follow Christ, they were immediately baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you’ll never feel “good enough!”

when should children be baptized?

We wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Biblically, only those who believe get baptized. Infants and little children don’t fully understand the gospel. When children understand the gospel and demonstrate a changed life, we are open to baptizing them, but this should never come as a result of parental pressure. Let the Holy Spirit lead, Mom and Dad.

why do we baptize by immersion?

We baptize by immersion because Jesus was baptized that way (Matthew 3:16). The Greek word for baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.” Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39).

what should i wear?

Dress modestly. Women should wear shorts or pants and a shirt that is not see-through when wet. Darker colors are better - no white t-shirts or pants. Men may wear shorts or a swimsuit with a t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.