Baptism

We are very excited that you are interested in baptism! Baptism is an important step of obedience for every person that has accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Baptism is a public way to show others that you follow Jesus Christ.

Baptism FAQs

What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!

Why should I be baptized?

Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).

When should I be baptized?

Jesus asks us to be baptized as soon as we decide to become life-long followers of him, through repentance and faith. Baptism shows the world that we have made that decision.

Do you baptize kids?

Each person must decide, individually, if they will commit their lives to Jesus, including children (Romans 10:9).

Any instance of baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At FBC, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.

Why should I be baptized by immersion?

Immersion, sprinkling, and pouring are three common methods of baptism. Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water best symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5). Immersion also pictures a total cleansing from sin.

Should I be baptized again?

If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want you to do so in order to take that next step of following Jesus.

God never asks us do anything that isn’t good for us. He always gives us much more than we deserve, including the joy that comes from listening to Him and obeying what He says.

How do I get baptized?

If you are ready to follow Jesus in believer’s baptism, the first step at FBC is to walk forward and speak to our Pastor at the end of any worship service, during the “invitation time” (usually during the final song). Afterwards, our church will celebrate with you in your decision and we will follow-up with scheduling your baptism.