BAPTISM

Jesus commanded His followers to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Great Commission. Because Christ Himself instituted it and submitted to it in the Jordan River, we view baptism not as an optional custom, but as an act of loving obedience to our King. It stands alongside the Lord’s Supper as a sacred practice given directly by Jesus to His local church. Through this ordinance, we publicly align ourselves under Christ’s authority and gospel mission.

Going under the water and rising up serves as a vivid physical picture of what has already taken place spiritually in the believer. It dramatizes our death to sin through Christ's death, our burial with Him, and our rising to walk in newness of life through His resurrection. In this visual act, we openly declare that our old identity is gone and our lives are permanently bound to Jesus. It is an enduring testament that our hope rests entirely in His finished redemptive work.

The Greek word baptizo literally means to dip, plunge, or fully submerge in water. Immersion best preserves the rich biblical symbolism of burial beneath the earth and resurrection into brand-new life. The New Testament consistently portrays believers coming out of the water after being baptized by John and the apostles. By immersing individuals in water, we follow the clear pattern set by the early Church and Scripture.

In Matthew 28:19, Jesus instructed His disciples to baptize in the singular name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This unique wording signifies that salvation is the shared, harmonious work of one God in three distinct persons. The Father plans our rescue, the Son accomplishes it through the cross, and the Holy Spirit seals and regenerates our hearts. Being baptized into this Triune name places us under the eternal covenant and fellowship of our God.

Water does not produce faith; rather, it provides a visible platform to publicly show the faith that already lives in your heart. It acts like a wedding ring, which does not create the marriage covenant but serves as an outward symbol of vows already made. Through this act, a disciple unashamedly confesses Jesus Christ as their Lord, Savior, and Treasure before family, friends, and the congregation. It is your personal milestone marking the transition from living for self to living for Christ.

While baptism marks our personal faith, it also welcomes us visibly into the global and local family of believers. In the New Testament, receiving the Gospel and being baptized immediately connected new converts to the local gathering of disciples. It tells your local church community that you are running this race alongside them and committing to mutual care, love, and service. Through this public step, you are affirmed and embraced as an essential member of Christ's living body.

Scripture is clear that salvation is a free gift received by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from any human works. The physical act of water baptism possesses no saving power; that redemptive work was fully accomplished by Jesus on the cross. We are not baptized in order to be saved, but because Christ has already saved us.

In Scripture, baptism is reserved for anyone who has repented of their sin and placed their personal trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because true baptism requires a conscious confession of personal faith, we do not practice infant baptism. Anyone old enough to understand the Gospel, acknowledge their sin, and profess genuine faith in Jesus is encouraged to take this step. If you have received Christ into your life, your very next biblical step is believer’s baptism.

Because baptism is the primary New Testament sign of a disciple identifying with Jesus and His people, our church asks that all prospective members be baptized as believers. Joining a local church is a formal commitment to walk in covenant community, and baptism is the introductory public step of that obedience. If you were baptized by immersion in another gospel-preaching church upon placing your faith in Christ, we joyfully accept that baptism. Our elders are always happy to discuss your specific faith background and walk through any questions you might have.

There is no fixed age limit in the Bible, but we wait until a child can clearly articulate the Gospel, acknowledge personal sin, and demonstrate a sincere, uncoerced faith in Jesus. Because young children often desire baptism merely to please parents or follow older peers, our pastors walk alongside families with patience and care. We want to ensure that the child understands the significance of their decision and can own their story. Our goal is to make baptism a deeply meaningful milestone that anchors their faith for the rest of their lives.