BAPTISM
What Is Baptism All About?
A simple definition of baptism is, “An outward sign of an inward change.“ There are many verses in the Bible that talk about baptism.
- Acts 2:37-39
- Matthew 28:18-20
- 1 Peter 3:21-22
- John 3:5
“When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’
Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.’”
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.’”
“...and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand…”
“Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.’”
What Does Baptism Signify?
1You are publicly identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.
2You have turned from your old life of sin and God has given you new life in Jesus.
3You’re “going public” with your relationship with Jesus.
WHEN IS THE NEXT BAPTISM?
To register either yourself or your child for the next baptism, click the appropriate button below!
I'd like to be baptized!My child would like to be baptized
WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM?
Everyone who is going to be baptized meets at the Crossroads baptismal, also known as the Family Room Fountain. You will meet a pastor or ministry leader there and they will explain where you can change your clothes and how to make your way into the waters of baptism.
Once in the water, our pastors will pray with you, then lay hands behind your head and shoulder to help you go under the water. When you come up out of the water, please know that it is fully acceptable to express your feelings. This is a very emotional time. There is nothing more beautiful than people cheering and joining in with you as you celebrate your faith in Jesus. You will then leave the water, dry off, watch and rejoice with the other people who are getting baptized. We will send you a certificate of your baptism to commemorate your commitment to Jesus.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Changing rooms are nearby. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We encourage women to wear shorts and a dark top with a swimsuit underneath. Men should wear shorts and dark t-shirt. We will have t-shirts available. Baptism is designed to draw attention to Jesus and His work in your life and that’s why we encourage people to wear the outfits listed above.
CAN I BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER WITH MY FAMILY MEMBERS?
Of course, we encourage it! If each one of your family members has professed faith in Jesus Christ and understands the meaning of baptism, we encourage you to be baptized at the same time. We ask that children under the age of 8 speak with one of our pastors prior to their baptism so that we know that they understand what baptism is. We also ask that each person goes through our virtual baptism class individually prior to their baptism.
It’s important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a religious tradition. If God has placed it on your heart to get baptized, don’t delay your baptism while you wait on other people in your family to accept Jesus. You will delay your own obedience to God and put pressure on your family members who aren’t ready to trust Jesus yet.
WHOM SHOULD I INVITE?
We hope you will invite your friends and family to see you get baptized. Nothing is more important to us than our relationship with Jesus, and this is a great opportunity to celebrate it. We have found that even those in your family and circle of friends who are not religious, or who have not made a commitment to Christ, are usually happy to attend and support you.
WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?
Please let our Pastor or ministry leader know when you attend the Baptism, and they will figure out what will work best for your special circumstances.
- WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM?
- WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
- CAN I BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER WITH MY FAMILY MEMBERS?
- WHO SHOULD I INVITE?
- WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?
WHAT HAPPENS AT A BAPTISM?
Everyone who is going to be baptized meets at the Crossroads baptismal, also known as the Family Room Fountain. You will meet a pastor or ministry leader there and they will explain where you can change your clothes and how to make your way into the waters of baptism.
Once in the water, our pastors will pray with you, then lay hands behind your head and shoulder to help you go under the water. When you come up out of the water, please know that it is fully acceptable to express your feelings. This is a very emotional time. There is nothing more beautiful than people cheering and joining in with you as you celebrate your faith in Jesus. You will then leave the water, dry off, watch and rejoice with the other people who are getting baptized. We will send you a certificate of your baptism to commemorate your commitment to Jesus.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Changing rooms are nearby. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We encourage women to wear shorts and a dark top with a swimsuit underneath. Men should wear shorts and dark t-shirt. We will have t-shirts available. Baptism is designed to draw attention to Jesus and His work in your life and that’s why we encourage people to wear the outfits listed above.
CAN I BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER WITH MY FAMILY MEMBERS?
Of course, we encourage it! If each one of your family members has professed faith in Jesus Christ and understands the meaning of baptism, we encourage you to be baptized at the same time. Young children who want to be baptized should understand what they are doing, and we ask that they would attend our KidsFaith class through our Crossroads Kids ministry. These are typically the Sunday before the Baptism date.
It’s important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a religious tradition. If God has placed it on your heart to get baptized, don’t delay your baptism while you wait on other people in your family to accept Jesus. You will delay your own obedience to God and put pressure on your family members who aren’t ready to trust Jesus yet.
WHO SHOULD I INVITE?
We hope you will invite your friends and family to see you get baptized. Nothing is more important to us than our relationship with Jesus, and this is a great opportunity to celebrate it. We have found that even those in your family and circle of friends who are not religious, or who have not made a commitment to Christ, are usually happy to attend and support you.
WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS?
Please let our Pastor or ministry leader know when you attend the Baptism, and they will figure out what will work best for your special circumstances.