... because you want to follow Christ’s example. Mark 1:9
... because Christ commanded it. Matthew 28:19-20
... because it shows you are a believer. Acts 18:8
... because obeying Christ’s command shows you know Him. 1 John 2:3
What is baptism?
- It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Colossians 2:12
- It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4
- Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not save you … only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. Ephesians 2:8-9
How are we to be baptized?
- Like Jesus was baptized – by being immersed in water. Matthew 3:16
- Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. Acts 8:38-39
- The word baptize literally means to dip under water. The Greek word baptizo means to immerse or dip under water. It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Who should be baptized?
- Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13
- The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand.
When are we to be baptized?
- As soon as you have believed … you should not delay! Acts 2:41, Acts 8:26-29
- There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.
What about being baptized twice?
- Every member of Parkcrest Christian Church has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
Can my family be baptized?
- Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for Salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Will I have to say anything?
- At the beginning of your baptism, the pastor, or the person you choose to baptize you, will briefly introduce you by name and ask you the following question. “Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior?” At that time he or she will briefly lower you just under the water. After you are standing again, you step back out of the baptistery and return to the changing rooms to dry off and change back into your clothes.
God will bless you as you demonstrate your faith for Christ.
You may be baptized during one of our weekend services at any of our campuses or participate in the annual Beach Baptism (August) or Lakewood YMCA events.
Do not be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies himself/herself as a believer by being baptized.
We encourage you to invite your family members and friends to witness your baptism. This is a wonderful day for you to share!
We will provide a certificate to commemorate this event a few weeks following your baptism.