BAPTISM

WATER BAPTISM

People often have questions regarding baptism: Why should I be baptized? What if I've already been baptized--do I have to do it again? Does it matter if someone is sprinkled or dunked?  Take a few minutes and find answers to some of the most common water baptism questions!

WHAT IS THE MEANING OF BAPTISM?

Baptism is an important symbol of the new life that is created when someone becomes a follower of Jesus. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Colossians. 2:12).  It also illustrates my new life as a Christian. (2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4).  Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.

 

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Every person who believes in Christ should be baptized. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:13, Acts 8:12)

 

WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?

You should be baptized as soon as you believe. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:35-38) There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you´ll never feel “good enough”!

 

WHEN SHOULD CHILDREN BE BAPTIZED?

At Smithville Family Worship Center, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
 

WHY DOES FWC BAPTIZE BY IMMERSION?

We baptize by immersion because Jesus was baptized that way (Matthew 3:16). Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion (Acts 8:38-39) and the Greek word baptize means “to immerse or dip under water”.
 

WHAT WILL MY BAPTISM BE LIKE?

During the service the Pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will be called up and step into the baptistery. The Pastor will introduce you, ask you a few yes or no questions and then briefly lower you just under the water and raise you up above the water, and then you can leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will receive your baptism certificate. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

 

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You should wear shorts and a top but make sure they are darker in color.  You can even wear a swimsuit underneath if you like. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

 

CAN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes! If each person understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.  However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family or group tradition.  It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on others to join you.  This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.

SIGN UP TO BE BAPTISED

Someone from our team will contact you about upcoming baptism dates.