Baptism

What is baptism?

Baptism is the bodily immersion of a believer in water which illustrates the death, burial, and resurrection that comes with union with Christ (Romans 6:3–6; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 2:12; 3:1).

Baptism is a believer’s act of obedience to the command of the Lord Jesus as a testimony of salvation and identification with His church (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38, 41; 16:30–34).

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is for those who give clear evidence of conversion by demonstrating an adequate understanding of the gospel and coming to Jesus Christ in obedience, repentance, and faith.

Children can come to saving faith in Christ at a young age (Matthew 19:14; Mark 10:14; Luke 18:16; 2 Timothy 3:14–15). Desiring to exercise caution by helping a child have full assurance of faith, we prefer that children be at least twelve years old before pursuing baptism. In any event, the church pastors and the child’s parents (if they are believers) should agree regarding the credibility of the child’s profession before pursuing baptism.

How should a believer be baptized?

Immersion of the believer’s body in water best represents the spiritual reality of our death, burial, and resurrection with Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:16; John 3:23; Acts 36–39; Romans 6:3–6).

Where should a believer be baptized?

Baptism should be done in the context of a local church led by the pastors of the church. The pastors evaluate the credibility of each candidate’s profession (cf. Acts 8:36–39).

How may I be baptized?

You may request to be baptized by itself or as part of the membership process.

• Request baptism only
• Request baptism with church membership