The practice of baptism in ancient Israel was a common way of identifying oneself with a particular teaching or lifestyle and was not unique to Christianity. This is why we see John baptizing people — they were showing that they wanted to identify with his teachings of repentance and life change.
In today’s culture we put stickers of our alma mater on the bumper of our cars, we wear shirts embroidered with the name of our employer, and more to identify us with a larger grouping of people. That’s essentially what baptism meant for people in Jesus’ day. Even though it’s a holdover from a different culture, the church throughout history has considered water baptism as one of two ordinances of the church — the other being communion.
Baptism today is publicly identifying with the person and teaching of Jesus Christ and a welcoming into the local expression of the body of Christ (the church). Jesus himself even signed up to be baptized (Mark 1:9), which is all the more reason to obey and follow his lead.
We believe in baptism by immersion (basically, going fully under water as opposed to being sprinkled). Paul seemed to think that immersion better symbolized our identification with Jesus’ death (going under the water) and resurrection (coming up out of it).
To be sure, 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. Baptism is like a wedding ring — it’s the symbol of the commitment that you’ve already made in your heart. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe. Generally this is around age 12, however we allow for parental discretion to determine when they think their kids are ready. We do not practice infant baptism, but we do offer baby dedication opportunities which is a covenant between the church and the new parents of support and encouragement throughout the parenting process.
As soon as possible — there is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, they can and should be baptized. (Acts 2:41)
Without devaluing the prior experience our church recommends that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer.
As a church we love hearing stories of life change — that’s why we do everything we do! Yet we understand people’s fear of public speaking. We will offer opportunities for people to share their story via a pre-recorded video that will be shown during their baptism – this is optional but highly encouraged — and we’ll take as many takes as necessary in case you’re too nervous.