baptism

Have you ever thought about getting baptised but have too many questions still unanswered?

We would love to help you understand a little bit more about this significant next step in your journey of following Jesus!

Why should I be baptized?

1. To follow the example of Christ

"Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river." Mark 1:9

2. Because Christ Commanded it

"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit..." Matthew 28:19-20

3. It demonstrates I'm really a believer

"Many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8

SIGN UP TO GET BAPTIZED

Sign up to get baptized with the form below or fill out your communication card. Once you sign up, we will contact you to get your story and answer any questions you may have!

WRITE OUT YOUR STORY

Write your story. This is a very important step! Why? Because it’s your way of sharing how you met Jesus and the difference He has made in your life. You decide how much to write. Just make sure your story has these parts:

 [1] BEFORE: what was your life like before Jesus? (struggles, loneliness, hangups, etc.)

 [2] WHEN: when did you surrender to Jesus? (briefly share when, where, etc.)

 [3] AFTER: what’s different in your life now? How has Jesus changed you?
 And at the end we always like to have you answer these two questions!
    [1] To Jesus I would like to say: _________
    [2] To my friends / family I would like to say: _________

Baptism does not make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. 

Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that.

Baptism is like a wedding ring—it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart to another person.

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

It Illustrates Christ's Death And Resurrection

"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... And He rose again." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

It Illustrates My New Life As A Christian

"When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and the new life has begun!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

"By our baptism then, we are buried with Him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so also we may live a new life!" Romans 6:4

Why Baptism by Immersion?

Because Jesus Was Baptized By Immersion

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

Every Baptism In The Bible Was By Immersion

(Example) "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38-39

The Literal Meaning For 'baptize' Is "to immerse in water."

The Founders of Denominations Agree:

  • Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies." (Lutheran Church)

  • John Calvin... "The word 'baptize' signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church." (Presbyterian Church)

  • John Wesley... "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church." (Methodist Church)

When Should I Get Baptized?

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ in your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are "perfect", you'll never feel "good enough!"

At The Bridge, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for the child.

This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.

This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. Like a bride and groom, no one can say "I DO" on their behalf. Check out our awesome resources on Baptism for Children here.

Want an easy way to talk about Baptism to your kids? 

Check out these videos to hear more about salvation and baptism explained in simple terms with discussion questions to help guide your conversations.