What is Baptism?

Baptism is personal. It’s not something anyone else can decide for you, and it’s not something we want you to rush into. This is simply a chance to share what’s been going on in your heart and why you’ve chosen to take this step. Baptism is about your response to Jesus and your desire to follow Him with your whole life.

A few questions to help you process:

1. What led you to want to be baptized?

2. When did you decide to follow Jesus?

3. What has changed in your life since then?

4. What do you believe about Jesus and what He has done for you?

Scripture calls us to be honest about our faith:

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith” - 2 Corinthians 13:5

Your story matters. Learning to share how Jesus has changed your life helps others see that faith is real and personal. That is why we value filming and sharing your testimony. God often uses your testimony to encourage, challenge, and point people toward Him. Also, sharing God’s story (the Gospel: Who God is, what Jesus has done, and the hope we have in Him) helps others know Jesus and respond to Him in faith.

The gospel means the good news of what God has done to save us.

It starts with God.

God created us for a relationship with Him. He is holy, good, and perfectly just. He made us to know Him and walk with Him forever.

But sin broke that relationship.

All of us have chosen our own way instead of God’s way. Sin separates us from Him, and we can’t fix that on our own. No amount of effort, religion, or good behavior can erase guilt or make us right with God.

So God stepped in.

Jesus came as our Savior. He lived the perfect life we couldn’t live, died the death our sin deserved, and rose from the dead to give us new life.

Now God calls us to respond.

God invites us to turn from sin (repent), trust in Jesus alone, and follow Him as Lord. When we repent and believe, God forgives us, makes us new, and adopts us into His family.

Scripture References:

Genesis 1:27, 3:1-7; Romans 3:23, 6:3-4, 6:23; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Ephesians 2:8-9; Acts 2:38

• Baptism is a public declaration of a personal decision to follow Jesus.
• Baptism openly identifies you with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
• Going under the water represents your old life being buried; coming out represents new life in Jesus.
• Baptism expresses faith that already exists and shows what God has done in your heart.
• Baptism is an act of obedience. Jesus Himself commands His followers to be baptized.
• Baptism is connected in Scripture to repentance, belief, and a willingness to follow Christ.
• Baptism marks a new allegiance and a new way of living.
• Baptism is a one-time declaration that marks the beginning of life in Christ.
• Baptism is not what saves you; salvation comes through Christ alone.
• Baptism is not done to please family, friends, or the church, or because of pressure.
• Baptism is not a sign that life is now perfect or that everything is figured out.
• Baptism is not about becoming a better version of your old self.
• Baptism is not something repeated to “recommit” or “rededicate” your life to Christ.

1. Consider whether or not baptism is the next step.

A. If not, that’s ok! We will pray with you and be here when you are ready!

i.Be sure to download our app and check out our resources below.

B. If baptism is a yes:

i.Schedule your testimony video.

ii. Read the “Baptism Questions” in this brochure to help with that video.

iii. Keep an eye out for communication about a pre-baptism service meeting where we will give you a baptism shirt and walk through the service order. This typically happens the Sunday prior to our service.

2. Take time to download our app. This will be our primary method of communication through this process.

A. We also have resources on our app to help you learn more about your decision.