We are so glad you are considering baptism. Please take some time to review the following information. To sign up for baptism, fill out this form. A staff member will contact you after the form has been submitted. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 317-893-2483.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Jesus.
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)*
Because Christ commanded it.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
“Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8).
“In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” (Mark 1:9)*
Because Christ commanded it.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 28:19)
It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
“Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized.” (Acts 18:8).
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christʼs burial and resurrection.
“having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Baptism does not make you a Christian.
Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—itʼs the outward sign of a commitment youʼve made in your heart. (See Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”)
“having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Baptism does not make you a Christian.
Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—itʼs the outward sign of a commitment youʼve made in your heart. (See Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”)
Why should I be baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;” (Matthew 3:16)
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:38-39)
The word “baptize” means to dip underwater.
The Greek word for baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.”
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him;” (Matthew 3:16)
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
“And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no more, and went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:38-39)
The word “baptize” means to dip underwater.
The Greek word for baptize means “to immerse or dip under water.”
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
“Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” (Acts 8:13)
“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:41)
“Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” (Acts 8:13)
“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you have believed.
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41)
“So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls." (Acts 2:41)
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.
*All Scripture references are from the English Standard Version Bible.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts undue pressure on them and delays your obedience.
*All Scripture references are from the English Standard Version Bible.