what is BAPTISM?

Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection.

who should be baptized?

The Bible says that every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God and trusts in Christ alone for their salvation. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between themselves and God, not works or religion. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you should be baptized.

{Acts 2:41; 8:12-13}

why should i be baptized?

Baptism is symbolic of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. It is an outward expression of our faith made by the inward decision to follow Christ. We are to follow the example set by Christ, as He commanded, and demonstrate that we are believers in Him by doing so.

{Romans 6:3-4; Mark 1:9; Matthew 28:19-20; 1 John 2:3}

when should i be baptized?

As soon as you can after you become a believer! The Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a believer, you should participate in the next available opportunity your church provides for baptism. If you wait until you feel you are a “good enough” believer, you will never feel ready for baptism.

{Acts 2:41; 8:35-38}

What about Children?

All instances of baptism in the New Testament occur following an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation (see Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48). That means we wait to baptize a child when they are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we then joyously baptize them in the Christian faith after conferring with the parents.

Baptized as an Infant?

In the Bible, we see parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. If baptism signifies salvation, as the Bible teaches, only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. Thus, the Bible would indicate that baptism is for people who have made a decision to follow Christ. If you have not experienced believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.
 
Agape Church practices Baby Dedication, which is a time when parents pledge their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this is not a Christian baptism, according to the Bible.

sign up to be baptized

If you have made the decision to accept salvation and have asked Jesus into your heart and want to take that next step in your walk of faith in being baptized, we would love the opportunity to help you in that! Just click the button below to get signed up for our next Baptism Sunday.

If there's not an active sign up when you're ready, please contact our church offices and let us know you'd like to be baptized and we'll get you taken care of.

This is a special moment in the lives of those who call themselves believers in Christ, and we encourage you to invite your family and friends to support and celebrate this important decision you have made.
sign up today