What is baptism?
Salvation happens "by His grace when you believe " in Jesus’ work on the Cross. It is a free gift from a Holy God to people willing to receive it. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Baptism is where we publicly acknowledge that we are followers and believers of Jesus Christ. It's an outward picture representing the spiritual baptism that already took place the moment we were saved .
"And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21
Have more questions about baptism? See our FAQs below!
"And that water is a picture of baptism, which now saves you, not by removing dirt from your body, but as a response to God from a clean conscience. It is effective because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ." 1 Peter 3:21
Have more questions about baptism? See our FAQs below!
What is child dedication?
We believe children are a blessing from the Lord, and that He desires parents to raise Godly offspring. He loves us so much that He designed marriage, family, and parenting to reflect His love and the importance of relationships.
While some churches baptize infants, we believe that Christian water baptism is a public testimony of the believer’s personal faith in Jesus and examples in scripture are all adults who have chosen to profess their faith publicly. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41-42, 8:36-39; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:11-12).
So we have chosen to do child dedications (babies, young kids) as a way of showing the commitment of a parent(s) to raise the child in God’s Word, as well as the local church’s role in providing resources, prayer, classes, mentoring, and other spiritual support that points the child to Jesus Christ!
Have more questions about Child Dedication? Check out our guide here.
While some churches baptize infants, we believe that Christian water baptism is a public testimony of the believer’s personal faith in Jesus and examples in scripture are all adults who have chosen to profess their faith publicly. (Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:41-42, 8:36-39; Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:11-12).
So we have chosen to do child dedications (babies, young kids) as a way of showing the commitment of a parent(s) to raise the child in God’s Word, as well as the local church’s role in providing resources, prayer, classes, mentoring, and other spiritual support that points the child to Jesus Christ!
Have more questions about Child Dedication? Check out our guide here.
Baptism & Child Dedication Signup Form
The Bible says that all professing Christians should be baptized (Matthew 28:18-20). Whether you've been following Jesus for a long time and never got baptized or are a new Christian, we would be honored to baptize you!
FAQs about Baptism
What happens once I let you know I want to be baptized?
Our staff will reach out to you and set up a time for you to meet with a pastor. During your meeting, you'll share your testimony and do a short Bible study on baptism.
This meeting will help you understand if you are ready to be baptized and help you prepare you testimony to share with the church. Next our staff will share our upcoming Celebration Sunday date for your baptism.
Why be baptized?
Baptism does not save us. But it does show others that we have submitted our lives to God's direction and have placed our hope and faith in Him.
Think back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind. At that point, mankind became sinful and rebellious, distancing themselves from God through willful disobedience. Because of this, there is no way for humans to restore this broken relationship with God through our own efforts. But there is great news. God loved us so much that he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all of our sins so that we can be forgiven and have that relationship restored. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' death on the cross, while the power to live out this new salvation comes from His resurrection from the dead.
Think back to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the fall of mankind. At that point, mankind became sinful and rebellious, distancing themselves from God through willful disobedience. Because of this, there is no way for humans to restore this broken relationship with God through our own efforts. But there is great news. God loved us so much that he sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for all of our sins so that we can be forgiven and have that relationship restored. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus' death on the cross, while the power to live out this new salvation comes from His resurrection from the dead.
What is the scriptural basis for water baptism?
Here are 4 important scriptural references that show what baptism pictures and proclaims:
> The believer's death, burial, and resurrection with Christ. (Colossians 2:12)
> The death of our old life to sin, and our resurrection to walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4)
> Our faith in the Trinity of the Godhead. (Matthew 28:19)
> Our "putting on" of Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27)
Who should be baptized?
We believe that Scriptures point to baptism for those who already believe and can acknowledge their faith in Him. If you have accepted Jesus Christ and acknowledge Him as your Lord and Savior, you should be baptized. This is an important step of obedience in your Christian walk!
What about infant baptism?
Because we believe that Scriptures point to baptism for those who can make the decision to follow Jesus and can acknowledge their faith in him, we do not baptize infants. We believe that all infants are born as Children of God and instead, encourage families to dedicate their child to God. Child dedication is a promise between God, parents, and a church family to raise children to know the Lord. As that child grows older, they will have the opportunity to make the decision to follow Christ and be baptized. Be sure to check out our Child Dedication Guide!
My child under 10 wants to be baptized. How do I know if they are ready?
Use our Family Baptism Guide to make study what baptism is with your child. We hope these materials and discussion items help you understand how best to serve your child.