The word “baptism” is a transliteration of the Greek word baptisma from the root word bapto. The word bapto paints a picture for us. In the days of the Old and New Testaments, the act of “baptism” was seen in everyday life. How? The word bapto means “to dip in or under.” The word that grew out of that, baptizo, means “to immerse” and in Greek literature referred to “sinking” a ship or “to sink” in mud, or “to go under.” It also referred to pieces of cloth or clothing being immersed in water for cleansing or in dye for changing (they took on a new identity, the cloth identified with the new dye). Thinking of these pictures, consider the meaning of baptism. Baptism does not cleanse or change a person, but symbolizes what Christ has done in a believer’s life.

In coming to Christ, we are immersed by the Spirit into Christ for cleansing and for changing. Just like a piece of clothing would be cleansed or changed into a new color, when we are immersed into Christ by faith, we are cleansed and changed on the inside—we have a new identity, a new life in Christ. Just as a cloth was cleansed and changed for a new use, so we are cleansed and changed for a new use, a new walk with and in Christ. Baptism symbolizes this changed life.

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change, symbolically identifying with the death and resurrection of Jesus.

The Scriptures command all who have come to faith in Jesus Christ as personal Lord and Savior to be baptized by immersion as a testimony of this new relationship to Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:38, 41; 9:18; 10:47-48; 22:16).

In the act of baptism, a believer in Christ is immersed under the waters of baptism, whether in a pool, a creek, a river, the ocean, or a baptistry in a church—anywhere there is enough water to immerse a person.

In baptism, a person goes into the water, then is placed under the water, and immediately raised up out of the water.

Understanding these truths is one thing. Obeying them is another. One of the obstacles many new believers face is the temptation to shy away from being baptized. For those who are a bit bashful in front of a crowd, remember, the crowd before whom you are being baptized is family forever. Sometimes the devil tempts us, tries to put fear in our hearts, or tries to convince us that it does not really matter about baptism. Still other excuses can come—I am too young, too old, too hesitant…the excuses are many. Do not let a single excuse or a bundle of excuses stop you. Being baptized is a blessing to you, to the Lord, and to every believer, and it is your privilege as a disciple of Jesus.

Simple! Just contact us.

Come to the Welcome Center about 20 minutes before the start of the service you are scheduled for baptism. A deacon or pastor will meet you there and take you to the baptistry area.

We provide towels, robes, and hair dryers, so you just need to bring a bathing suit or shorts and a shirt to wear under the robe.