What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament that comes from the Greek word “baptisma” which means dipping, washing or immersing in water. But Baptism is not just water, it is the water combined with God’s Word.
- is a gift of God’s grace
- names us a child of God
- adopts us into a new family
- calls us into newness of life
- gives salvation to all who believe
Who can Receive Baptism?
Jesus declared that we should disciple all nations baptizing them in the name of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit. There were no qualifications and requirements-simply a command to baptize with water and Word. We believe all people who request to be baptized should be baptized.
Therefore, we baptize people of all ages from infant to adult. We believe this because the Bible says that even infants can believe (Matt. 18:6) and that new birth happens in Baptism (John 3:5-7; Titus 3:5-6).
The infant's faith cannot yet be verbally expressed by the child, yet it is real and present all the same (see Acts 2:38-39;
Luke 1:15; 2 Tim. 3:15). We believe that when an infant is baptized God creates faith in the heart of that infant. The faith of the infant, like the faith of adults, also needs to be fed and nurtured by God.
There is much more that can be taught, explained and answered about Baptism.
Our Pastors are available to meet with you if you would like to talk before making a decision to be baptized or to baptize your child.
FAQs
- Teach your child to pray, and pray with your child
- Place scriptures into your child’s hands, and read them with your child
- Teach the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed, and the Ten Commandments
- Nurture your child’s spiritual growth and encourage active participation in worship, faith education, and service
A sponsor is a person or people who serve in partnership with the parents to nurture the child in Christian faith. A sponsor does not need to be a relative nor need be a certain age.
- To pray for the child regularly
- To be an example of love, care, and Christ centered faith for the child
- To encourage and assist the child in his/her relationship with Jesus
- To be a regular presence in the life of the child and be concerned about the child’s nurture in the home, church, school, and through the sacraments.
"Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned"