Christ Community Church

Baptism FAQs

What is baptism?

Baptism is a God-given way to publicly declare our dependence on Christ alone for our salvation. It’s not a way to become saved, but rather a beautiful symbol of the salvation we already have.

Who should get baptized?

Christians. After a person begins a relationship with Jesus Christ, whether they’re old or young, they’re ready to follow Christ in baptism. This is the only prerequisite!

Why should I get baptized?

To follow Christ’s example (Matthew 3:13-17)

To obey Christ’s command (Matthew 28:18-20)

To publicly tell others about your faith in Jesus and desire to follow Him (Acts 16:16-34)

To renounce your past and announce your hope of new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-11; Galatians 2:20)

How are baptisms performed at Christ Community?

At Christ Community we follow the practice of baptism by immersion. That means the whole person is placed into a body of water and immersed from head to toe. The word “baptize” literally means “to immerse, dip or plunge”. When a Christian is immersed and comes out of the water, it represents their being united with Christ in His burial and His resurrection, and absorbed into new life in Him. (Romans 6:1-4)

When and where are baptisms performed at Christ Community?

Baptism Celebration Services are conducted three times a year on a Sunday evening and are usually held in the Christ Community worship center. Specific dates are listed on the main baptism web page and on the cover of the printed baptism brochures. Look out for announcements in the worship folder or the church website for reminders in advance. An hour before the Baptism Celebration Service, pastors/leaders meet with people being baptized for a brief Orientation. They’ll explain the meaning of baptism, answer any questions you might have, talk about telling your story, and show you how you’ll be baptized. It’s important that you arrive on time, and bring with you the person you wish to baptize you, if you have one. Otherwise, one of the pastors will be on hand to baptize you. We also encourage you to invite your friends and relatives to celebrate your baptism with you. There will be a potluck meal to kick things off, so plan on this, inviting your friends and relatives to join you.

Can a family be baptized together?

Yes! If each family member has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. We have separate orientations for elementary children and middle school students through adults. If you're not sure a child is ready for baptism, click HERE for a helpful tool to engage with them on this topic.

What about being baptized again?

We recommend that you be baptized again if you haven’t been baptized since you became a believer, or were baptized simply to fulfill a church requirement without understanding what baptism means for you personally. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to celebrate your new life in Christ.

Will I have to say anything?

Before we begin the baptisms in the service, we encourage as many people as possible to briefly share about their experience with Christ. You won’t be pressured to do this, however, and you won’t have to say a lot, or appear polished. One of the pastors will direct this time and interact with people sharing using a wireless microphone. You’ll be given some helpful hints about what you might share during the Orientation before the service.

Who will baptize me?

While there will be Christ Community pastors on-hand to baptize you, we invite you to ask a person who has been a part of your spiritual journey to baptize you (the person who brought you to Christ, a small group leader or mentor, a close spiritual friend, parent, spouse, etc.). There's nothing in the Bible that says that a pastor, church leader or specially-licensed person has to be the one doing the baptizing. If you want to have someone special baptize you, just be sure to have them come with you to the Orientation before the service.

I’d like to get baptized. What do I do now?

Simply come to the Orientation and bring a completed Baptism Information Form with you. It’s a part of the baptism brochure and can also be filled out by clicking on the link on the Baptism home page. And if you forget, we’ll have copies available for you to fill out at the Orientation.

What should I bring?*

·         Bathing suit and t-shirt, or a t-shirt and long pants or shorts. We encourage women to wear a bathing suit, or shorts and a dark top.

·         Aqua socks or something for your feet to keep you from slipping (if desired).

·         Towel.

·         Plastic bag or something similar to take home your wet clothes.

·         Hairbrush/comb and hair dryer (if desired).

·         Change of clothes.

          * The person baptizing you should bring these things as well.