WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is a symbolic action that demonstrates that we repent and believe the gospel. It is the visible sign of identifying with Jesus and his church. In the New Testament, baptism pictures a number of realities:

• The cleansing of forgiveness as the water washes over us.
• The death and resurrection of Jesus as we are plunged under water and brought up again.
• The death of our old self as we’re plunged under water and the resurrection of our new life in Christ as we rise again.  
• Our union with Jesus and entrance into the church.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is for those who have turned from their sins and are trusting in Christ for their salvation. Jesus commissioned his disciples to baptize those who became disciples of Jesus (Matt. 28:18–20). We see throughout the New Testament that every believer is baptized upon their credible profession of faith (Acts 2:40–41). If God has brought you to a new life of repentance and faith in Christ, we encourage you to be baptized.

For parents wondering when it’s best to encourage a child to be baptized, we believe that there is “wisdom in waiting.” We often recommend that parents wait until a child is in the early teen years to begin conversations about baptism if he or she professes faith in Christ. This ensures that they truly understand the gospel and have a profession of faith that the church can affirm, have an increased measure of independent thinking from parents, and will be old enough to remember their baptism in a meaningful way. Here is an article by Tim Challies that the elders find helpful in thinking about this question: When Should My Children Be Baptized?

It’s also important to note that the wisdom in waiting would also apply to taking the Lord’s Supper, since the biblical pattern is follows this order: 1) Trust and begin following Jesus. 2) Be baptized as a symbol of entrance into Christ and the church. 3) Begin sharing in the Lords Supper together with your church. Thus, the biblical pattern is to follow this order of faith, then baptism, then the Lord's Supper. 

When is the next opportunity to be baptized?

We would love to walk through a brief process with you that involves confirming your understanding of the gospel and hearing your testimony of salvation. If you are interested in being baptized or have questions, click the link below. An elder or staff member will be in touch with you soon.

click here to fill out an interest form