1. What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward encounter. Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed our life. Being baptized shows others that we’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with us (Acts 16:31-34).
2. Why should I be baptized?
Jesus set the example by being baptized (Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9-11, Luke 3:21-22, John 1:28-34) and asks us to follow His example (Matthew 28:19-20). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him (1 John 2:3).
3. When’s the best time to be baptized?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, water baptism is the next step. At Aldersgate we have special baptism events throughout the year. If and when you sign up to be baptized, someone will contact you about upcoming baptism dates.
4. Do you baptize children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9). At Aldersgate, we baptize children when they are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism. We offer a class called “First Steps” where parents and children come together with our Kid’s Pastors and discuss salvation and baptism.
5. What’s the difference between immersing, pouring, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?
At Aldersgate, we believe the sprinkling, pouring or submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). It represents our death to sin and old way of life and is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
6. Do I need to be baptized again?
If you haven’t been water baptized since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again. We often encounter individuals who were baptized as infants in their faith tradition or as young children who have had a significant encounter with Jesus as an adult and wish to be baptized again. In this case, Aldersgate offers a remembrance of baptism.
If you'd like to take the next step of baptism please fill out this form. Someone will get back to you with upcoming Baptism Sunday dates.
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