Congratulations!
We are so excited that you or your child are ready to walk in obedience to Jesus’ command and example to be water-baptized! We want to make sure that you and/or your children understand the purpose of water baptism and know what to expect on the big day. So please be sure to read through (with your children if applicable) everything in this guide. Read the scripture references especially to bring clarity and understanding.
If there’s still confusion or hesitation, it’s better to wait to be water-baptized than to push forward in confusion or lack of understanding. Reach out to a church leader if you need help.
Why Water Baptism?
- Jesus, our Lord, commands that we baptize and be baptized
- Matthew 28:19
- Jesus led by example and was baptized
- Matthew 3:13-17
- Mark 1:9-11
- Luke 3:21-22
- John 1:29–34
- The church has been faithful to practice water baptism since the time of Acts
- Acts 2:38
- Acts 8:36-38
- We are called to proclaim the gospel, and we publicly proclaim the gospel when we are water-baptized
- Mark 16:15
- Romans 6:3-4
Symbolism of Water Baptism
Water baptism is an outward symbol that shows the change that has already occurred inside of us when we put our faith in Jesus. Since it is a symbol, it doesn’t do anything to change you spiritually or physically. But as we just read, we do publicly proclaim some really important things when we are baptized in water, namely our union with Jesus in his death, burial, and resurrection.
- Death
- When we go under the waters of baptism we proclaim that we have died to our old lifestyle of sin, just like Jesus took all of our sins on the cross and died in our place.
- Romans 6:3
- Burial
- When we go under the waters of baptism we also proclaim that we’re leaving behind our old lifestyle of sin and that we have been forgiven, just like Jesus took all of our sins to the grave and no longer holds our sins against us. They are buried forever!
- Romans 6:4
- Resurrection
- When we come up out of the waters of baptism we proclaim that we have new life in Jesus and are committing to a life of faithfulness to him, just like Jesus rose from the dead and lives as our perfect example to this very day.
- Romans 6:4
Requirements for Water Baptism
We see in scripture that there are some requirements we must meet before we are baptized in water.
- Belief in Jesus
- Since water baptism is a public display of our faith in Jesus, it’s important that only people who believe in Jesus are water-baptized. A Christian, or believer, is anyone who confesses that Jesus is Lord.
- Romans 10:9-10
- Repentance from sin
- To repent means to change our direction or change our minds. When the Bible talks about repentance it means to turn away from sin and turn towards Jesus in obedience to him.
- Acts 2:38
- An understanding of the reason and meaning of water baptism
- Since we are making a public declaration of our faith in Jesus, we want our declaration to be honest and genuine, so it’s important that we understand baptism before we get baptized.
- Romans 6:3-4
If you believe in Jesus, have repented of your sins, and understand the reason and meaning of baptism, then you are ready to be water-baptized!
What to Expect?
On the day of your baptism, you can expect a lot of excitement and celebration from your family and friends, because anytime someone commits to living life with Jesus it’s worth celebrating.
At CCA, we believe baptisms should be as public as possible, so we like to do water baptisms outside in front of the church. You’ll see the baptismal tank outside and ready for you when you get to the church. If it’s too cold, we’ll adjust and have baptisms inside. Either way, you’re family and friends will be there to celebrate with you.
On your baptism day, make sure you come in dark-colored clothes that you don’t mind getting wet. Please no light-colored clothing that could become see-through after getting wet. Shoes that are easy to slip on and off are also recommended. Make sure also to bring a towel and dry clothes to change into after you are baptized. If you forget a towel, we will have extra, but we will not have extra changes of clothes.
When it’s time to get baptized, you’ll walk up the steps to the baptismal tank and step inside. Someone will be there to help you.
Whoever is baptizing you, (your parents, someone who discipled you, someone who led you to the Lord, or a pastor) will ask if you’d like to say anything or give testimony to what the Lord has done in your life. You are not required to do so but will have the opportunity. Then they will ask you some questions to which you will joyfully answer, “Yes!”
- Do you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and do you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead? (Yes!)
- Do you repent of your sins and commit to living in obedience to Jesus? (Yes!)
After saying yes to these questions you’ll plug your nose with one hand and put your other hand on top of that hand. The person baptizing you will place one of their hands on the back of your head or shoulders and their other hand on your arms. They’ll say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” They’ll lower you backward into the water (plug your nose!), then raise you up out of the water. You will likely come up out of the water to the sound of much cheering and celebration as your family and friends rejoice in your new life in Jesus.
(It might be helpful to watch some baptism videos online to help you and/or your children see what it’s like to be baptized. This can help eliminate any fears or concerns about going in the water. It will also build even more excitement about being baptized.)
We hope this guide has been helpful. Again, if you have any questions, please reach out to the pastor or another leader at the church. We’re excited to celebrate with you on your baptism day!