What is Baptism?
Baptism is the outward expression of an inward reality
When someone is baptized, they're publicly declaring that they have been united to Jesus in His death and resurrection. It shows that they have been raised to newness of life.
A Step of Obedience
Baptism doesn't save you - only Jesus saves. But it is a command from Jesus himself in the Great Commission. It's a natural response to who God is and what He has done in your life.
As Peter instructed the early church: "Repent and be baptized, every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins."
A Public Declaration
Baptism was normative in the early church because it was a public way to identify with Jesus. When you're baptized, you're saying "yes" to Jesus and publicly declaring your allegiance to King Jesus.
It's like a wedding ring - it doesn't make you married, but it's the outward symbol of the covenant that has been made.
Ready to Get Baptized?
Attend Baptism Class
Learn what baptism means, why we do it, and what to expect. Classes are offered before each Baptism Sunday.
Prepare Your Testimony
The purpose of sharing testimonies isn't necessarily to share your whole life story, but to make much of Christ and what He's done for you.
While there's no one right way to write your testimony, one of the easiest ways is to divide it into three parts:
- "I was…" Talk about what life was like prior to you loving Jesus.
- "But God…" Talk about the Gospel and how the Lord changed your heart and mind.
- "So now…" Talk about the changes that have come about as a result of the new life you have in Christ.
We'll walk with you as you share the hope you've found in Him.
Get Baptized
Baptism is a powerful picture of God's grace. It shows that you've been united with Jesus in His death and raised with Him to new life.
Baptism is a simple act that represents a glorious truth: we are made new, alive in Christ and walking in His grace.
And when you come up, our church family will celebrate with you—cheering as a visible sign that heaven itself rejoices over a life made new.
Why do we cheer?
Death to Life
We're witnessing someone who was once dead in their sins now alive in Christ. That transformation deserves celebration.
Victory Won
Someone who was once defeated by the world is now victorious in Jesus. The battle has been decided.
Heaven Rejoices
Luke 15 reminds us that heaven celebrates when one sinner repents. We join that celebration here on earth.
Common Baptism Questions
We require you to be 12 years old to get baptized. If you are under 18, you must have an adult present with you during the baptism process.
Baptism DOES NOT SAVE you from your sins. Salvation comes by grace through faith alone, not through any work or ceremony we perform. Baptism is a step of obedience that shows you belong to Him.
At Grace Fellowship, we practice believer's baptism by immersion — baptism after someone has personally placed their faith in Jesus Christ. If you were baptized as an infant but have now personally come to faith in Christ, we'd love to baptize you as a believer.
It shows that you've been united with Jesus in His death and resurrection. Going under the water represents the old life buried; coming up represents new life in Christ.
No, you don't need to be a member, but you do need to be a believer in Jesus Christ. We're happy to baptize anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus, regardless of church membership.
Because that's how baptism is pictured in Scripture — being buried with Christ in His death, and raised with Him to new life. The Greek word "baptizo" itself means "to immerse" or "to dip."
Please wear a full piece bathing suit and modest shorts and slip on shoes. You will receive a shirt to wear for baptism. Please also bring a towel, and a change of clothes to change into afterwards.
Contact our church office or speak with a pastor after service. We'll get you signed up for the next baptism class and help you through the entire process.
