Baptism

We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.

Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When we baptize at New Community, participants are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus, and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection.

Baptism Registration

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 1 6:31-34 ).

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 Does Baptism Matter?

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's the Best Time to be Baptized?

For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8: 12).

It was also a common practice in the early church for believers to be re-baptized when they came into a new season of devotion and surrender to Jesus.

Do you Baptize children?

As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but ultimately they are the ones who decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9).

We believe that no matter your age, any step towards Jesus is the right step! When it comes to baptism, though, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. (Acts 10:47-48).

If your child has already asked Jesus into their life, we're happy to help you facilitate the conversations about baptism and celebrate with you once they are ready to take this step.

What's the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?

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: 1 0).

Do you share my story at my baptism?

Yes- we invite everyone who gets baptized to write out 4-5 sentences about why they are taking this step and what it means for them. We read this while you are getting into the water and before your baptism.

Here are some examples of what people have said in the past:

"I’m being baptized today to proclaim publicly that Jesus is my Lord and Savior. This have never been more clear to me than over the past 5 years. I’m very thankful for all the work He has done in my life and will continue to do. For a long time I’ve known that Jesus is my Savior, but I want Him to be my leader. I would like to know Him and his teachings more deeply and allow Him to guide me to serving Him where He sees fit."

"Before I found Jesus, I was driven by my fears and anxieties. Sometimes the uncertainties in life were too much. But now that I am following Jesus, I know I am secure in him. I may not know the full picture, but I know he will always be with me and he will be faithful to lead and guide me."

"Today, I want to proclaim publicly through re-baptism that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, that I fully submit to his rule in my heart, mind and life. I will live my remaining life on a continuing quest to know Him more and more each day, submit to where He sends me to serve him. Jesus has never failed me. He will never fail you, you can trust him."