Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all.
Ephesians 4:3-6
As you read through the Bible, you’ll discover that water baptism is connected to God’s covenant promises (Colossians 2:8-12), with inward cleansing and the washing away of sin (Acts 2:38-39; Ephesians 5:25-27; Acts 22:16; Titus 3:5; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; 2 Peter 2:22), with union in Christ (Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:11-12; Romans 6:3-7), with the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38), and with becoming part of the Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-13). Baptism isn’t a magic ritual that guarantees these things, but the links are there nevertheless.
While the Bible doesn’t specify how old a candidate for baptism must be or how much water must be used, the Bible clearly emphasizes unity in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; Ephesians 4:1-6). A strong, Biblical case can be made for both infant and believer baptism. Therefore, we celebrate when parents bring their kids forward to receive the sacrament of baptism and we celebrate when believers come to the waters themselves.
Videos
Why Infant Baptism and Confirmation?
Why Believer Baptism and Dedication?
When parents ask us to dedicate their kids, they have a faith-fueled expectation that one day their child will choose to be baptized. In a dedication service, parents dedicate themselves to raising their children in a God-honoring way, the congregation dedicate themselves to supporting the family, and together we ask God for His blessing.
Whether you choose an infant baptism or dedication, we encourage every parent to bring every child forward for a blessing. We would love to come alongside you on this journey of faith with your family. We reserve the second Sunday of each month for baptisms and dedications. We also do our best to work with families if they would prefer to arrange an off-site baptism. Contact Dan Swartz to plan a time for your child’s baptism or dedication.
We would love to help you proclaim your confession of faith to the world through Believer’s Baptism. Because we meet in a Community Center we’ve had to get pretty creative in how and when we do Believer Baptisms. We’ve held Baptism services in parks, in rivers and lakes, in backyard pools, and we even can hold them at our new Studio space. We also do our best to work with families if they would prefer to arrange an off-site baptism. Contact Pastor Jason for details.
