Baptism at River Church
At River Church, baptism is a beautiful and significant step of faith for anyone who has decided to follow Jesus. It’s an outward expression of an inward transformation—an act of obedience and a public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a symbolic act that represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. When you are baptized, you are identifying with Jesus’ death and burial as you are lowered into the water, and with His resurrection as you are raised out of the water. This act represents the washing away of your sins and the new life you receive through faith in Jesus.
Romans 6:4 explains, “4 Therefore we have been buried with him through baptism into death, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too may live a new life.”
Baptism does not save you—it’s an important step of obedience after salvation. It’s a powerful testimony to the world that you’ve chosen to follow Jesus and live your life for Him.
Who Should Be Baptized?
At River Church, we practice believer's baptism. This means that anyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ is invited to be baptized. It’s an important step for those who are ready to publicly declare their faith and commitment to follow Jesus.
If you're a parent of a young child or an infant, we encourage family dedication services where parents commit to raising their children in the knowledge and love of Christ, and children may choose baptism when they’re old enough to make that personal decision.
Why Should I Be Baptized?
Jesus Himself was baptized, setting an example for us to follow. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands His followers to “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Baptism is an act of obedience to Christ and a demonstration of your desire to follow Him.
It’s also a celebration of new life. When you’re baptized, you declare that your old life is gone, and you’re now living a new life in Christ. It’s a way to let your friends, family, and the world know that you belong to Jesus.
Baptism is also an initiation into the church family. It is not only a personal declaration of faith but also a way of publicly joining the body of Christ. Through baptism, individuals identify themselves with Jesus and His followers. It symbolizes being welcomed into the larger family of believers, where the church body celebrates and supports the new believers in their walk with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body. Whether Jews or Greeks or slaves or free, we were all made to drink of the one Spirit.”
Baptism is a sign of unity in the body of Christ, bringing together people of all backgrounds into one spiritual family.
What to Expect at a Baptism
Baptisms at River Church are a joyful and meaningful time of celebration. They typically take place during one of our services, where we’ll explain the significance of baptism and hear the profession of faith of those being baptized. You’ll have the opportunity to share something brief if you’d like, and then you’ll be baptized by immersion in water by one of our pastors and someone you’d like to baptize you.
We provide towels, and we'll guide you through the process so you feel prepared and confident. Make sure to bring a change of clothes!
How Do I Get Baptized?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith journey through baptism, we’d love to walk alongside you. Here’s how you can get started:
Meet with a Pastor
Before your baptism, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with one of our pastors to share your story, ask any questions, and make sure you’re fully prepared for this significant moment.Celebrate Your Baptism
On the day of your baptism, bring your friends and family to celebrate with you! It’s a powerful witness to others, and we’ll join together as a church family to celebrate the new life you’ve found in Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be baptized to be saved?
No, baptism is not a requirement for salvation. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is an act of obedience and public declaration of your faith, but it’s not the means of salvation.
Can my child be baptized?
If your child has made a personal decision to follow Jesus, they are welcome to be baptized. We encourage parents to help their children understand the meaning of baptism before making this decision. We also offer family dedication services for infants and younger children.
What if I’ve already been baptized?
If you’ve already been baptized as a believer, there is no need to be baptized again. However, if you were baptized before placing your faith in Jesus or feel that your baptism was not a personal decision, we’d love to discuss what baptism could mean for you now.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your walk with Jesus, or if you’d like to learn more about baptism, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to speak with a pastor.