PROCLAIMING JESUS IS LORD.

The Bible clearly teaches that baptism is the first step of obedience after professing faith in Christ. Baptism allows a believer to communicate to the world his or her heartfelt desire to follow Jesus. It is an outward response to the inward reality of one's belief in the gospel.

People often have questions regarding baptism: what it means and how getting baptized goes in the context of a Sunday service. Read more in the questions below to learn about the ordinance of baptism, or sign up to attend a Connect Class, where we discuss baptism as part of the process of getting connected at City Church. Baptism is a requirement for membership at City Church.

What is the meaning of baptism?

It illustrates Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

“Having been buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

why should i be baptized AS A CHRISTIAN?

1.     To follow the example set by Christ.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)

2.     Because Christ commanded it.
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

3.     It demonstrates I am a Believer
“We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands.” (1 John 2:3)

why does city church baptize by full immersion?

1.     Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” (Matthew 3:16a)
“As Jesus was coming up out of the water…” (Mark 1:10)

2.     Every Baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(for example) “Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” (Acts 8:38-39)

3.     The word “baptize: means “to dip or immerse”

4.     It best symbolized a burial and resurrection
“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:3-4)

who should be baptized?

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. Believers realize their sin separates them from God. They conclude that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. Having decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation, they follow Christ in baptism as a symbol of their new life in Christ.

what about infants and children?

The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the person did not request it. All instances of baptism follow an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, 10:47-48). At CITYCHURCH we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them as a symbol of their faith in Christ.

when should i be baptized?

The Bible Teaches that baptism should follow your decision to become a believer. There is no reason to delay (Acts 8:12). If you wait until you are “good” enough, you will never feel ready for baptism. Since baptism is not a part of your salvation but a symbol of it, it is ok to wait until the next scheduled baptism.

WHO CAN BAPTIZE ME?

One of our pastors or staff would be happy to baptize you. However, sometimes individuals prefer a friend, mentor, City Group leader, etc to baptize them, which we welcome. To be baptized at City Church, we require that person baptizing you must be a member of City Church.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

Dress in clothes you don’t mind getting wet! You should wear a dark shirt and shorts. A changing room is available. Please bring a towel. Arrive 20 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin for some last-minute instructions.