I want to be baptized

: : Are you ready to get baptized? : :

If you're ready to get baptized, click that button now to get on the list and we will be in contact with you shortly. If you have some questions about baptism, check out the FAQ's below or give us a call. We'd love to discuss baptisms or anything that helps you live a life like Jesus!

: : What is Baptism? : :

Baptism is the act of being submerged in water to show everyone that you are a new person. It is an outward picture of an inward change.

You see, we believe that if you confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9) you will become a new person right on the spot. Really!

The old person dies and God creates a new person in that very moment that will day-by-day begin to live a life more like Jesus lived and treat others more like Jesus treated them. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21). This new person is forgiven of sins, is empowered to live a life free of guilt and shame, and has a growing and open relationship with God. (Hebrews 10:19-22)

So, baptism is a picture, a demonstration, to everyone around you that God has already accomplished this change. 

: : If Baptism is a picture, why should I be baptized? : :

First, Jesus told us to be baptized and to baptize others. If we are going to call Jesus our Lord, we should begin by doing what He clearly tells us to do. (Matthew 28:19). Even Jesus was baptized by His cousin John. (Luke 3:21). So, it's a chance to be like Jesus, too.

Second, every time we see someone in the New Testament repent and confess Jesus as Lord, they are excited to be baptized and are looking for the nearest body of water. It's the first thing they want to do after they confess Jesus as Lord. 

There is one guy that pulls his chariot to the side of the road to get baptized! (Acts 8:36-38).

Could you imagine? You're driving down the highway. Your friend in the passenger seat tells you about Jesus and you confess Him as Lord. You're so pumped up that you slam on the brakes, slide to a skidding stop, and ask to be baptized in the drainage ditch beside the road!

Baptism is the natural step of obedience and excitement for every follower of Jesus.

Third, it's a moment worth celebrating. 

There's a reason your friends and loved ones come to your birthday party every year. They want to celebrate the exciting moment you were born.

Jesus talks about the new life He offers as being "born again" (John 3). Baptism is a chance for your friends and family to celebrate what Jesus has done and is doing in your life. Baptism is also a chance for you to show the world that just as Jesus died, so also has your old self died; just as Jesus was buried, so also is your old self put behind you; and just as Jesus rose again, so also is the Holy Spirit at work in you ridding you of guilt and shame. (Romans 6:1-14 and Romans 8:11) Baptism is a sort of sermon that you act out instead of speak out.

: : I was baptized in a previous church. Should I get baptized again? : :

That really depends. If your baptism looked like what is described above (a submersion in water after you confessed Jesus as Lord as a picture of what He is accomplishing and you meant it) then there really isn't a need to be baptized again.

However, if your baptism is different (for example, you were an infant and therefore hadn't confessed Jesus as Lord) or you didn't mean it (for example, you were baptized with a group of friends because they were getting baptized and you didn't want to be left out) then you may want to talk to someone about baptism.

Your baptism should be to show others what Jesus has already done in your life! If you have questions or there's some confusion about your baptism, it doesn't hurt to ask someone and talk through it.

: : How old must I be to be baptized? : :

The bible doesn't really give an age requirement. A better way to answer this question will be to check off the prerequisites. Has this person confessed Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him from the dead? Is this person wanting to show the world that God has made him or her a new person through the picture of baptism?

If a child is old enough to say yes to those two things, then he or she is old enough to be baptized! Jesus had some pretty great things to say about a childlike faith. (Mark 10:13-16)

: : Who will baptize me? : :

The Bible doesn't restrict the act of baptizing to a select few Christians.  It's not limited to pastors, priests, elders, etc.  Any follower of Jesus can baptize a new follower of Jesus.

We believe Baptisms are special celebrations! Therefore, the person that will baptize you will be any follower of Jesus that you ask and agrees to baptize you. We've seen parents baptize their children, a small group leader baptize a new follower, a friend baptize their friend, and spouses baptize their spouse. If nobody comes to mind or you rather not ask someone, there will be someone ready to baptize you.