About Baptism
Baptism is an important step in your faith-journey that shows the world we have personally surrendered our lives to Jesus. Jesus was baptized during His time on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When followers of Jesus are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with Jesus raise back to life.
Baptism FAQs
Why should I be baptized?
We are baptized to follow Jesus’ example and obey His command.
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” —Matthew 3:16–17 MSG
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18–20 MSG
The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life.” —Matthew 3:16–17 MSG
Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” —Matthew 28:18–20 MSG
What is important about baptism?
Baptism is a public display of three very important things:
You are a follower of Jesus.
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. —Acts 2:41 MSG
You are beginning a new life with Jesus.
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country. —Romans 6:4 MSG
You are part of a new family.
But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise. —Galatians 3:25–27 MSG
You are a follower of Jesus.
That day about three thousand took him at his word, were baptized and were signed up. They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers. —Acts 2:41 MSG
You are beginning a new life with Jesus.
That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we’re going in our new grace-sovereign country. —Romans 6:4 MSG
You are part of a new family.
But now you have arrived at your destination: By faith in Christ you are in direct relationship with God. Your baptism in Christ was not just washing you up for a fresh start. It also involved dressing you in an adult faith wardrobe—Christ’s life, the fulfillment of God’s original promise. —Galatians 3:25–27 MSG
I was already baptized. Should I get baptized again?
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, starting a new life, and joining with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this new life, then you should be baptized again.
Can my child be baptized?
We will baptize anyone over age 7 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal & public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Shape Kids and YTH ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
For more information to help guide your child through this important decision, check out our Baptism Guide below.
For more information to help guide your child through this important decision, check out our Baptism Guide below.
Can my baby be baptized?
Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression symbolizing the new life we have with Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).
We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment 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 or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.
At Shape.Church we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. To schedule a Parent/Child Dedication, please complete the Parent/Child Dedication Registration Form.
We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment 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 or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.
At Shape.Church we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. To schedule a Parent/Child Dedication, please complete the Parent/Child Dedication Registration Form.
Register to be Water Baptized
Baptism is an outward expression of what inward Jesus-transformation If you are ready to take that public Jesus-pride step, then get started by making plans to attend our next baptism service!