BAPTISM @ Journey
At Journey, we believe baptism is an essential next step for anyone who has decided to follow Christ. Since our grand opening in 2009, 121 people have been baptized, including 82 adults and 39 kids!
Answers to common questions about baptism at Journey are answered below. When you're ready to be baptized, you can sign up at the bottom of the page.
Answers to common questions about baptism at Journey are answered below. When you're ready to be baptized, you can sign up at the bottom of the page.
WHY BE BAPTIZED?
1) To follow the example set by Jesus himself.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. (Matthew 3:13-16)
2) To obey Christ’s command.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of then Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19)
3) To publicly acknowledge my decision to follow Christ.
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)
4) To express my love for Christ and His Word.
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)
While being reconciled to God is a free gift of His grace alone, taking the step of baptism demonstrates our faith, our love and our obedience to Jesus.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BAPTIZED?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians. 2:12)
It illustrates my new life as a Christian:
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians. 5:17) “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!” (Romans. 6:4)
Baptism doesn’t make you a Christ-follower.
It shows that you already made that decision. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. “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)
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has decided to follow Christ should be baptized–after making the decision to follow Christ. In other words, anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins should be baptized. The Bible has many examples of this teaching. After the first sermon in the New Testament, the scripture records, “Those who accepted His message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41). But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women… (Acts 8:12-13). These biblical examples show that baptism is for people who have turned to Jesus Christ in faith for the forgiveness of their sins..
DO YOU BAPTIZE INFANTS AND CHILDREN?
At Journey, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child, in which they promise to raise the child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. It is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At Journey, we have a Child Dedication [ link to Child Dedication page ]several times a year for parents who want to dedicate their child to God and dedicate themselves to raising their child God’s way.
WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?
Infant baptism is similar to our baby dedication, where the parents dedicate their child to God and commit to raising him or her God’s way. Infant baptism is a decision made by the parents, not the child. In the Bible there is no mention of an infant being baptized; baptism always followed a decision to follow Christ, which is something infants cannot do. If you have decided to follow Christ, then the next step for you is follow the example of Jesus and get baptized, even if you were baptized as an infant.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as possible after deciding to follow Christ! The Bible indicates that baptism is one of the first steps a new believer takes. As they were going along the road, they came to a place where there was some water. The official said, ‘Look! Here is some water. Why can’t I be baptized?’ He ordered the chariot to stop. Then they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (Acts 8:36-38) It’s not unusual, however, for someone to discover the importance of baptism several years after professing faith in Christ. This person should make plans to be baptized at the first opportunity.
WHAT IS THE METHOD OF BAPTISM?
Baptism at Journey Church follows the examples, teachings and language of the New Testament which is baptism by immersion. As Jesus was coming up out the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. (Mark 1:10)
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
One of the most powerful aspects of baptism is you giving your testimony (story) right before your baptism. This allows you to share how Christ has been working in your life. Baptism is meant to be a public profession, and it is an incredible opportunity to share God’s message of redemption with hundreds of people. We have witnessed the life-changing effect these testimonies have had on people’s lives. Most people are nervous about telling their stories, but we work hard to make the process both simple and fulfilling.
WHAT IS THE BAPTISM CELEBRATION LIKE?
First, the pastor will explain to everyone the meaning and significance of baptism. Then you will enter the water and the pastor will speak to you briefly and lower you into the water and lift you back out. Don’t be surprised if people clap. This is a happy occasion! After everyone has been baptized, the pastor will say a closing prayer for everyone who just got baptized.
HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR BAPTISM AT JOURNEY
Baptism celebrations are publicized in the Sunday program with information about signing up. We will schedule baptism celebrations because people like you have indicated their desire to be baptized. If you would like to be baptized at Journey Church, please submit a Baptism Application and someone will follow up with you.
1) To follow the example set by Jesus himself.
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented. (Matthew 3:13-16)
2) To obey Christ’s command.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of then Son and of the Holy Spirit…” (Matthew 28:19)
3) To publicly acknowledge my decision to follow Christ.
Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. (Acts 2:41)
4) To express my love for Christ and His Word.
“If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15)
While being reconciled to God is a free gift of His grace alone, taking the step of baptism demonstrates our faith, our love and our obedience to Jesus.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE BAPTIZED?
It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” (Colossians. 2:12)
It illustrates my new life as a Christian:
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians. 5:17) “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!” (Romans. 6:4)
Baptism doesn’t make you a Christ-follower.
It shows that you already made that decision. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. “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)
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has decided to follow Christ should be baptized–after making the decision to follow Christ. In other words, anyone who puts his or her faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins should be baptized. The Bible has many examples of this teaching. After the first sermon in the New Testament, the scripture records, “Those who accepted His message were baptized…” (Acts 2:41). But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women… (Acts 8:12-13). These biblical examples show that baptism is for people who have turned to Jesus Christ in faith for the forgiveness of their sins..
DO YOU BAPTIZE INFANTS AND CHILDREN?
At Journey, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child, in which they promise to raise the child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. It is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ. At Journey, we have a Child Dedication [ link to Child Dedication page ]several times a year for parents who want to dedicate their child to God and dedicate themselves to raising their child God’s way.
WHAT IF I WAS BAPTIZED AS AN INFANT?
Infant baptism is similar to our baby dedication, where the parents dedicate their child to God and commit to raising him or her God’s way. Infant baptism is a decision made by the parents, not the child. In the Bible there is no mention of an infant being baptized; baptism always followed a decision to follow Christ, which is something infants cannot do. If you have decided to follow Christ, then the next step for you is follow the example of Jesus and get baptized, even if you were baptized as an infant.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as possible after deciding to follow Christ! The Bible indicates that baptism is one of the first steps a new believer takes. As they were going along the road, they came to a place where there was some water. The official said, ‘Look! Here is some water. Why can’t I be baptized?’ He ordered the chariot to stop. Then they both went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. (Acts 8:36-38) It’s not unusual, however, for someone to discover the importance of baptism several years after professing faith in Christ. This person should make plans to be baptized at the first opportunity.
WHAT IS THE METHOD OF BAPTISM?
Baptism at Journey Church follows the examples, teachings and language of the New Testament which is baptism by immersion. As Jesus was coming up out the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. (Mark 1:10)
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
One of the most powerful aspects of baptism is you giving your testimony (story) right before your baptism. This allows you to share how Christ has been working in your life. Baptism is meant to be a public profession, and it is an incredible opportunity to share God’s message of redemption with hundreds of people. We have witnessed the life-changing effect these testimonies have had on people’s lives. Most people are nervous about telling their stories, but we work hard to make the process both simple and fulfilling.
WHAT IS THE BAPTISM CELEBRATION LIKE?
First, the pastor will explain to everyone the meaning and significance of baptism. Then you will enter the water and the pastor will speak to you briefly and lower you into the water and lift you back out. Don’t be surprised if people clap. This is a happy occasion! After everyone has been baptized, the pastor will say a closing prayer for everyone who just got baptized.
HOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR BAPTISM AT JOURNEY
Baptism celebrations are publicized in the Sunday program with information about signing up. We will schedule baptism celebrations because people like you have indicated their desire to be baptized. If you would like to be baptized at Journey Church, please submit a Baptism Application and someone will follow up with you.
Ready to be baptized? Sign up below.
Whether you've been following Jesus for a long time and never got baptized or are a new Christian, we would be honored to baptize you! If you're interested in being baptized, please fill out the form below and someone will follow up with you.