What is baptism?
Baptism is a public declaration of your internal commitment to follow Jesus. When we are baptized, we go under the water symbolizing Jesus’ death and burial, and we are raised up out of the water symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Jesus commanded us to be baptized when we decide to follow Him and to baptize others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism:
Q: Who should be baptized and when?
Every person who has believed and has repented of sin, and confesses Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. As soon as you believe, repent, and confess you should make plans for baptism.
Q: What if I was baptized at another church?
As long as you were baptized by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ, you do not need to be re-baptized at Discovery (your baptism was to Christ and not the church).
Q: Can my family be baptized together?
YES! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one believes and has repented, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Q: What about younger children who haven’t been to Discovery?
At Discovery, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the meaning of repentance and confession before we baptize them as clearly shown in the New Testament
Q: What about infant baptism?
Some churches practice infant baptism. The ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise the child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal decision. At that time the child is confirmed. This custom began several hundred years after the Bible was completed. This is very different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe, repent, and confess Jesus personally.
At Discovery, we believe in baptism by immersion even if they have been “sprinkled” as an infant and/or “confirmed” as a child. Child dedications are offered seasonal as a way for our church to rally around parents as they dedicate raising their child in the ways of Jesus. This is available and recommended for children through 5th grade. Dedications are not considered as baptism.
Q: Why be baptized by immersion?
We want to always follow the example of Jesus. Baptism by immersion is a Biblical model and practice of our old selves dying and being raised in new life in Jesus.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water…” Matthew 3:16
“...then both Philip and the eunuch (man) went down into the water and
Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39
Q: Who should baptize me?
Anyone can baptize you as long as they themselves are an immersed believer in Jesus Christ and have played a big part in your relationship with God. It could be a family member, a friend who led you to Jesus, a small group leader, a pastor, etc.
