What's so important about being
baptized in water?

Throughout the history of Christian faith, people have been baptized in water to show they have accepted the message of God's love and have put their trust in Jesus.

In Acts 2:38 & 41 we read the Apostle Peter's words, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Then we read... "Those who accepted his message were baptized."

Being baptized in water is an outward sign of the transforming work God has done on the inside! It's a public declaration that proclaims:

"I am dead to my old life and have accepted
Jesus' promise that I am alive in Him!"

And before he returned to heaven, Jesus said to his disciples, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:18-20).

For those who have said YES to Jesus, water baptism is the NEXT YES! It's the next step we take after we've placed our trust in him. As Peter said, "Repent and be baptized." Baptism establishes a pattern in our lives of continuing to say YES to Jesus — which is essential if we are to grow more and more like him and see his redemptive plan released in all areas of our lives.

Water Baptism Resources

• CLICK HERE to watch the message, "What are you waiting for?! The Urgency of Water Baptism." Pastor Tim explains from the story of Saul, "Water baptism is not only a celebration of new life in Jesus — it's a declaration of surrender to Jesus!"
• CLICK HERE to listen to the message, "The YES of Water Baptism." This teaching from Luke 7 explores how water baptism is a critical step in unlocking God's purpose for your life.

Questions About Water Baptism

Do I have to be baptized in water in order to be saved? No! Over and over again in the New Testament we find the same truth declared that's stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, "God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it." Water baptism is a sign that we have been saved — not a "good thing" to do, trying to earn God's salvation. Being saved is an amazing and undeserved gift of God's grace — and being baptized is a sign you have received this gift! (CLICK HERE to find out more about saying YES to Jesus and receiving his gift of salvation!)

Can children be baptized? Our practice is for parents to "dedicate" their children to Jesus after they're born, following the example of Mary and Joseph in Luke 2:22. Then those children are encouraged to be baptized when they are older and can understand what it means to make their own public declaration of faith in Jesus. We've found there is not a particular age when all kids are ready to be baptized, but have seen many children make this decision when they were 7-or-more years old. You'll know your child is old enough when they express a desire to be baptized and can tell you why.

May a person be baptized more than one time? Yes, this might happen for a few different reasons. First, someone may have been baptized as an infant and now wants to make their own personal decision to be baptized. Second, someone may have walked away from God and baptism could be a public statement of walking in renewed relationship with him. Third, there may be times when the Holy Spirit nudges a believer to be baptized again as a step of radical surrender and worship.

When can I be water baptized? We offer regular opportunities for baptism during our Sunday morning services. If you are interested in being baptized, please use the link below to let us know! We'll get you scheduled for a baptism class to help prepare you for this exciting step of faith, then you can be baptized at the next opportunity.