Baptism

The Bible tells us that water baptism is the first step of obedience after placing our faith in Christ. Water baptism gives us our first and, sometimes, our best chance to declare to our friends and family that we have decided to follow Jesus.

People often have questions about baptism, so we have prepared a list of them to help you understand this important step in your faith journey. Take a few minutes to read these baptism insights. By the way, water baptism is not required to attend or participate at Bethany, but it is a requirement to become an official member.

FAQ

What is the meaning of baptism?

Baptism is a symbol of one’s identification by faith with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.

“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.” Romans 6:3–5 (NIV)

Baptism pictures the death and burial of the old person you were before you were saved, and your new life to be lived for the Lord Jesus Christ.

What baptism is not

Baptism is not how you get to heaven. Only faith in Jesus Christ gets you to heaven.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV)

Baptism is not proof to your church that your salvation is real. The biblical proofs of salvation are true belief in the historic Jesus as revealed in the Bible (1 John 4:1-2); love for the believers (1 John 3:14-18); a lifestyle of moving towards righteousness (1 John 1:6; 3:9-10); and remaining with Jesus (1 John 2:19).

Why should I be baptized?

Baptism is the first step to following Christ’s example. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River.“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9 (NIV)

Baptism is commanded by Jesus Christ. He instructed his disciples to baptize others (Matthew 28:19).

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is only for those who have received the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.“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 (NIV)

Can children be baptized?

The Bible links baptism to belief and repentance of sin. If a child is old enough to understand and receive this, they can be baptized. We do not, however, practice infant baptism. We recommend that children be no younger than 7 or 8 before being baptized.

What should I wear?

Both men and women should bring shorts and a dark shirt to wear. Bring a few towels and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. We will provide changing rooms.

What will happen that day?

On the morning of your baptism, arrive early enough make sure you have adequate time to change into your baptism clothes before the worship service begins.

You will be asked to share your story on video (recorded ahead of time) for viewing by the Bethany family. Please share your story of faith in Jesus including the following three parts: 1) How long you have been coming to Bethany, 2) When you received Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, and 3) Why you are getting baptized.

What about being baptized again?

We recommend that you be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn’t devalue a prior experience (such as an infant baptism), but simply reflects your desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptized. Every Bethany member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.
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What we believe.

Constitution

Our church’s Constitution describes how the church functions, including our purpose, organizational structure, leadership structure, and other important factors in maintaining a well-organized, open, and effective ministry. The Constitution serves to remind us that Jesus Christ is the head of the church.

Articles of Faith

Our Articles of Faith describe what we, as a Baptist church, practice and believe about the Bible, God, good and evil, and our place in the world as a church.