Baptism
YOUR decision to be baptised may be one of the most important you will make as a follower of Jesus Christ. Baptism expresses your decision to follow Jesus Christ. Three things happen in your baptism experience:
FIRST: Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. People who wish to be baptized are aware that something has happened to them spiritually; that they have had a spiritual rebirth. Jesus put it like this in John 3:3 "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." The water symbolises what has happened to our soul - a complete cleansing and washing away of the effects and the very nature of sin.
SECOND: It is a public statement of identification with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We acknowledge that at a specific point in space and time Jesus literally died, was buried, and rose again - conquering death once and for all, and offers real life to all who would accept it. In baptism, we’re illustrating that we have died to our old, self-centered ways, are buried in the water, and are raised up as new - spiritually alive for the first time.
THIRD: It is a public confession to the personal Lordship (leadership) of Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we're conscious of a fresh decision and desire to walk in obedience to God’s will. Life is no longer about what I want, but rather, what God wants to do with my life. My life is now under new management - God’s management.
Baptism Services
Baptism services are planned throughout the year when the whole church joins together to welcome new believers. Connection Church practices baptism through full immersion. For more information about Baptism or upcoming baptism services contact us.
What to ExpectWhen it is your turn to be baptized, you will enter the baptism pool and be welcomed by a pastor or someone assisting with the baptism. The pastor then will ask you a question regarding your decision to accept Christ. For example, “Mary, have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?” or “John, have you died to self and given your life to Christ?” After you say “Yes,” the pastor will say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.” The pastor will then immerse you backward into the water. This is quick; do not worry, you won’t be underwater long. Afterwards, someone will direct you to a spot where you are to move to.
Important InformationBring a change of clothes, shirt, shorts, towel, hair dryer, etc. with you the day of the service you wish to be baptized. Near the end of each service, directions are provided - where to go and when to change for the baptism ceremony. You are advised to wear a dark shirt, pants, and slip off shoes. Clothing made of material that retains minimum amounts of water is recommended. Ladies, we encourage you to wear a one piece bathing suit under your dark t-shirt.
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