Baptism is an important step in a believer’s relationship with God. It is a symbol of identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism is an act of obedience and proclamation of a relationship with Jesus.

Why Should I Be Baptized?

1. Jesus commanded it. (John 14:15, Matthew 28:19-20)

2. The early believers taught and practiced it. (Acts 2:37-40, Acts 18:8, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:15-19)

Through baptism a person follows in obedience to Jesus by declaring repentance of sin and belief in Jesus as Savior. Certainly baptism is a big step. But it’s also a great step. We encourage every believer to participate in the act of baptism.

It’s important to know that baptism itself is not the source of new life. Only Jesus Christ is the source of life. Baptism is a way of identifying with Christ. Every believer has new life in Christ when they receive Him as Saviour. Baptism is simply the way that Jesus wants believers to confess their new life in Him. Baptism gives everyone who believes in Jesus the opportunity to stand before their family, friends and church as faithful followers of Jesus Christ.

Who Should Be Baptized?

Those who believe are to be baptized (Acts 2:38, Acts 18:8).

Does it Matter How I am Baptized?

The Bible says that when we are baptized we are buried with Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4). There are a number of reasons that baptism should be by total immersion in water ('baptism' comes from the Greek word 'baptizo', meaning to immerse, plunge, dip or bury in water).

* As the person is immersed in water it symbolizes that they were apart from God and dead in sins (Ephesians 2:1-5). As a dead person they had no power or ability to come to God; someone had to help them. That someone is Christ, who died and gave them new life (Ephesians 2:6).

* Immersion indicates that the person has died in Christ (Colossians 3:3, Romans 6:3-4). Baptism is a public confession of the one being "buried" that they believe Jesus is their Saviour and Lord. In effect they are saying, "It is the death of Jesus that covers the sin of my life. His death hides me from God's wrath."

* Baptism is also like taking a bath. In the words of Acts 22:16, the death of the Lord Jesus washes away all our sin. As the person rises from the water, they are now clean and whole in God's eyes; as a spotless child.

* Finally, baptism is a symbol of resurrection. As the person is lifted from the watery grave it demonstrates their hope of the resurrection on the day of Christ's return.

When Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism is really a simple act that is for anyone who knows Christ as their Saviour and Lord. So, after receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, a great next step in the relationship with Him is baptism. It's an issue of understanding, obedience, and open identification with Christ. As a church, this is why we don't baptize infants:

1. They are not old enough to obey

2. They are not old enough to understand what baptism means.

We believe that a person should be baptized when they understand that Jesus is their Lord and Saviour and not before.

Benefits of Baptism from Scripture:

Rejoicing

* Acts 8:39

* Acts 2:41, 46

* Acts 16:33-34

A Clear Conscience

* 1 Peter 3:21

* Acts 24:16

* 2 Corinthians 1:12

Steps To Take:

1. Contact the church of your desire to be baptized.

2. Someone will arrange a visit with you to talk to you about your commitment to Christ and this step of obedience. Any questions and concerns can be addressed at this time as well.

3. You will be invited to have the option to share with the church about your salvation and interest in baptism (either directly or through a video). There is no pressure to do so however; this is not a requirement for baptism.

4. A convenient time and place will be arranged for you so that the Church may witness your baptism.