What is baptism?
An expression of faith:
Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief.

An identification:
Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His followers: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”

A lifelong commitment:
The Bible makes it very clear that baptism is a part of our commitment to Christ. Additional commitments when you become a Christian include:

• Realizing your need for Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
• Putting your faith in Christ (John 3:16)
• Turning from your sins (Acts 2:38)
• Verbalizing your trust and commitment by confessing Christ (Romans 10:9-10; Matthew 10:32)

What is the significance of baptism?
An illustration of Christ’s burial and resurrection:
In Romans 6:1-11, the apostle Paul explains how baptism by immersion identifies the believer with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under water signifies Christ’s death and coming up out of the water illustrates His resurrection. Baptism symbolizes your commitment to enthrone Jesus Christ as the Lord of your life.

A symbol of your new life as a Christian:
When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith. But the waters of baptism do not save you. The Bible tells us we are saved by the mercy and grace of God.

Am I ready for this?
Baptism is for believers:
A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. Believers realize that their sin separates them from God and that only Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. It is your way of demonstrating the internal miracle, in an external way, to the outside world.

Why be baptized?
The New Testament offers the following reasons to be baptized:

• To follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9).
• To follow Christ’s commandment (Matthew 28:19).
• To demonstrate your faith (Acts 18:8).

How are we to be baptized?
The New Testament gives us a clear picture of baptism:

• 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 or immerse under water.”
• It is the best way to illustrate a burial and resurrection.

Who should be baptized?
Every person mature enough to make a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ should be baptized. Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48).

What about infant baptism?
In the Bible, parents often brought their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and taught us all to welcome them. But, He did not baptize them or tell anyone else to baptize them. The New Testament records the baptisms of adult believers only. Baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

Parents will often baptize a baby or child intending that their child will one day become a follower of Christ. If you were baptized as a child, then your baptism as an adult can be viewed as a fulfillment of your parent’s wishes. In no way does it renounce your baptism as a child.

When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have decided to fully receive Christ into your life and have begun walking in a new direction, you should be baptized (Acts 8:35-38).

Is baptism necessary to become a member of Central?
Yes, and this means baptism by immersion. Our heart’s desire is to simply obey the clear teaching of God’s Word. So even if you were baptized as an infant, your baptism today represents an obedience to Christ’s command for all who come to faith in Him.

Can my family all be baptized together?
Yes, provided each family member understands the meaning of baptism and has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Children under twelve years old are asked to attend our Starting Point 4 Kidz class before proceeding with baptism. To register, or for more information on child and youth baptisms, please call our Family Ministries office at 735-4004 ext. 8308.

When do baptisms take place?
We baptize every month at our First Wednesday services and occasionally on the weekends. Pre-registration is required, so if you would like to be baptized, please call 735-4004 ext. 8419.

What should I wear for my baptism?
You should wear dark clothing; a tee shirt and knee length shorts. We will provide towels and a place to change out of your wet clothes. Bring a plastic bag to hold your wet clothing after you change. We suggest that you wear your baptism clothes to the service and then change into your dry clothes following your baptism.

What should I expect?
When it is your turn to be baptized, you will enter from one side of the baptism pool. In the middle of the pool a pastor will ask you about your decision to accept Christ. For example, “Mary, have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?” After you say “Yes,” the pastor will say, “Based on your confession, I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” Then he will baptize you. It is quick. You won’t be underwater long. Afterwards, you will exit the pool at the opposite side from where you entered. You can change into your dry clothes and participate in the remainder of the service. The pastor will baptize one person at a time and each person will be photographed. You will receive your picture and Certificate of Baptism by mail in a few weeks. Those who have completed Starting Point will also receive a Certificate of Membership.

Where do I go on the day of my baptism?
We will meet in the Chapel (near the Russell Road or Entry 4 doors) 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

What if I have more questions?
If you have other questions regarding baptism, they can be answered by calling the church offices at 735-4004 ext. 8419.