WATER BAPTISM
We are so happy you have chosen to follow Jesus' example by being water baptized. Publicly identifying with Jesus and proclaiming your faith in Him is a powerful testimony and often a deeply moving experience. Please read through this brochure to answer any questions about water baptism.
Once we announce the next baptism date, you can return to this page to register. If you have additional questions, you may also contact the church office at (805) 983-1890.
Water Baptism
A celebration of your commitment to Christ.
We are so happy you have chosen to follow Jesus’ example by being water baptized. Publicly identifying with Jesus and proclaiming your faith in Him is a powerful testimony and often a deeply moving experience.
The next baptism
Once we announce the next baptism date, you can return to this page to register. If you have additional questions, you may also contact the church office at (805) 983-1890.
What baptism means
Water baptism is an outward expression and celebration of your inward decision to follow Jesus. It symbolizes your trust in Jesus for your salvation and your decision to live on God’s terms rather than your own.
Just as Jesus was water baptized, Christians are baptized under water to symbolize His death and burial and raised out of the water to symbolize His resurrection. This awesome step of obedience means you are declaring, “I am a follower of Jesus, I am beginning a changed life in Christ, and I am part of a new family.”
“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with Him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”Colossians 2:12
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!”2 Corinthians 5:17
“So, in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”Galatians 3:26–27
Common questions
01 Why be baptized?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16–17
02 Is baptism necessary for salvation?
No, it is not. Baptism is a public confession of the work of salvation that has already taken place in the life of a believer in Christ. We are not saved because we get baptized, we get baptized because we have been saved and want to declare our salvation publicly.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9
03 Can my child be baptized?
We ask that children wait until they are old enough to understand the decision they’re making, what baptism symbolizes and the public declaration they are making. For that reason, we encourage children to be at least 10 years or older when they participate in water baptism.
We do not baptize infants or small children (even along with or being held by their parents). We do however offer baby dedication. This follows the example of Jesus who was dedicated by Mary and Joseph (Luke 2:22–40). For more information, see baby dedication or contact the church office.
04 How do I sign up to be baptized?
There will be a short informational meeting one week before the baptism after each church service. In this meeting, you will learn what the Bible has to say regarding water baptism, look at some very common questions, and find out all of the practical details for the water baptism service the following week. To sign up, please fill out the form online. Make sure to invite your family and friends to celebrate with you.
If you have any other questions about water baptism, please call the church office at 805.983.1890.