We believe water baptism is a public declaration of three things: that you are a follower of Jesus, that you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and that you are part of a new family.
It is not what saves you. Jesus already did that. Baptism is how you say it out loud, in front of people, with your whole self.
Sign Up for BaptismAnyone who is ready to turn from their sin and say out loud that they believe in Jesus. There is no waiting period and no test to pass first. Matthew 28:19, Acts 2:38-39
The New Testament word for baptism means to immerse, and the picture it paints is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. That is why we baptize by lowering people all the way into the water. The old life is buried, the new one comes up out of it. As for when, the moment you put your faith in Christ is the right time. In the New Testament, baptism was the first thing a new believer did, not something saved for later once they felt ready enough. Romans 6:1-5
Because Jesus did it, and because He told us to. It is how you go public: you are following Him, your old life is behind you, and you belong to a new family. To be clear, the water does not save anyone. Jesus does. Baptism is how you declare what He has already done in you. Matthew 3:13-17, Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 6:1-8
Sometimes, yes. If you were baptized so young you have no memory of it, or you were pushed into it, or your heart honestly was not in it, being baptized again is a good thing. But if you were baptized and later fell into sin, you do not need to redo it. Repent, come back, and keep going.
Come in normal clothes and bring yourself. We have everything else ready for you, including something to change into and towels. If you want to bring a change of clothes for afterward, that works too.
Baptisms happen in the lobby right after both Sunday morning services, so either after the 9am or after the 10:30am. You do not have to be baptized in front of everyone, but we would love you to be. Doing it with your church around you is part of what makes it a public declaration.
Please invite them. Family, friends, coworkers, whoever has been part of your story. This is a moment worth having witnesses for. One of our pastors will be glad to baptize you, and if there is someone specific who walked with you to this decision, ask us about them doing it.
Yes. We baptize adults and children ages 8 and up. What matters most is that your child understands what they are doing and is choosing it for themselves, not doing it because a parent asked. If you are not sure whether your child is ready, email our Next Steps team at nextsteps@church419.com and we will help you think it through.
Either one is a good place to be. Sign up below, or talk it through with someone first.