In the New Testament church, baptism carries great meaning. It’s never referred to as merely a sacrament or symbol. Nor is it tied to joining a specific local congregation. Rather it is part of making disciples. It does not grant salvation, but is more properly referenced as the normal occasion of receiving the promises of salvation.

• Jesus taught and modeled it, and Christians in the early church in the book of Acts did it (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Promises are tied to it (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Galatians 3:26-28, 1 Peter 3:21)

• It identifies us with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6)

• It is a mark of unity (1 Corinthians 12:13)

When you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, and decided to become His follower. There’s no cause for delay — the sooner, the better (Acts 2:41, 8:36, 22:16). Baptism is taken seriously yet it is a time of great joy as you begin your new life in Christ.

We practice immersion in water since it expresses the biblical model and is the correct translation of the Greek word [baptizo]. Jesus went down into the water of the Jordan River (Matthew 3:16), and the Ethiopian went down into water as well (Acts 8:38-39). It represents a death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-6, Colossians 2:12).

If you were baptized by some other form than immersion, you will be asked to follow the New Testament model and be immersed. It is not a judgment on your salvation or your heart, but an act of informed obedience and sincerity in wanting to do what Jesus asked.

During Sunday services, at the conclusion of the message or at the end of service, go to the front of the platform to meet with a leader. Or, arrange an appointment for any day of the week by calling the church office. You’re welcome to invite anyone you’d like to witness your baptism.

You can bring your own towel, and be baptized in your own clothes (t-shirt, shorts, swim trunks); clothes and towels are available at church as well. You may opt to wear a baptism robe over your clothes.

Baptism is for those old enough to believe and understand its significance (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, 41; 8:12; 16:14, 31-34, 18:8). There is no command for, or record of infant baptism in Scripture (Mark 10:14).

Since infants and young children are incapable of understanding the message of salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross, we offer dedication instead. Dedication is as much about the parents as it is the child. When parents or guardians dedicate their children, they’re making a commitment before God to raise their children in a Christian home. This means they will do everything necessary to protect their children from situations and influences that are not God honoring. Also, they will instruct and train them from the Bible on how to live a life pleasing to God and guide them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. (Proverbs 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4)