What is Baptism?
Baptism is cause for celebration. That’s because baptism is your first public profession of faith. It’s a way to show that you’ve accepted Christ. In the same way a wedding ring is used as a symbol of a deep and lasting commitment to a spouse, baptism is a symbol of a deep and lasting relationship with God.
Following are some answers to questions you might have about baptism along with what to expect at your baptism.
What Is The Meaning of Baptism?
It is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Cor.15:3-4)
It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. (2 Cor.5:17)
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.
Why Be Baptized?
Because you want to follow Christ’s example. (Mark 1:9)
Because Christ commanded it. (Matt. 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)
Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who believes in Christ and has made the decision to follow him. (Acts 2:41)
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. Therefore, at Journey, we do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.
When Are We To Be Baptized?
As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he or she can and should be baptized. (Acts 2:41)
How Are We To Be Baptized?
Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed under water (Matt. 3:16). Every baptism described in the Bible was by immersion under water. In fact, that’s what baptize literally means. The Greek word “baptizo” means “to immerse or dip under water.” The act of lowering someone beneath water, then lifting them back up to life-sustaining air is a way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Your Baptism
The first step is committing your life to Christ. Then contact us saying you want to be baptized. You can do that by filling out the Connection Card on Sunday morning or by calling the church office at 285-5001.
Baptisms are scheduled regularly throughout the year at Journey. Upcoming dates are announced during our weekend services and can be found on our website. There will probably be others baptized during the same service, and our staff and members have baptized others just like yourself – so there’s no need to feel nervous. You’re in good hands!
Prior to your baptism date, someone from Journey will get in touch with you with all the details such as what to wear, when and where to meet, etc. That day, members of our Baptism Team will accompany you every step of the way. A Baptism t-shirt will be provided for your convenience.
When it’s time, you will enter the water and state your name and proclaim you are a Christ-follower. Then the pastor or person who is baptizing you will say a few words and lower you just under the water. (Through the years, we have found that baptism is much more personal when the person being baptized says their name and proclaims “I am a Christ-follower” or similar acknowledgement).
Don’t be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a very happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly declares they are a believer by being baptized!
Some people ask if a family can be baptized together. The answer is yes, if each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his or her trust in Christ for salvation. In fact, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
If you still have questions or concerns about salvation and baptism and would like to talk one-on-one with a pastor, you can make a request on the connection card, e-mail info@myjourneychurch.com or call the church office at 285-5001.