Water Baptism
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is a crucial part of the spiritual foundation of each Christian. It is the sacrament that publicly identifies a person as a Christian -- one who has trusted Christ for salvation. It is one of two sacraments - the other is communion.
The Bible has this to say about baptism:
- It is the means by which someone is identified as a follower of Christ.
(Matthew 28:19-20) - While it doesn't provide salvation for an individual (salvation comes only
through our faith in Christ), rather it publicly identifies an individual with Christ.
(Acts 2:42, 8:12, and 10:47-48) - It is the act through which we formally become members of the body of Christ.
(I Corinthians 12:13) - Baptism by immersion identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It represents our death to self and sin, and our resurrection to new life in Him.
(Romans 6:1-11) - The water of baptism represents for us the washing away of our sins, the cleansing of our hearts and lives before God. (Acts 22:16)
Baptism is sometimes compared to the wedding rings that a husband and wife wear. Wedding rings don't make a couple into husband and wife, but they do testify to the world that they are husband and wife. Similarly, baptism doesn't make you a Christian, but it is the act through which you proclaim to the world that you are a follower of Christ's.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Baptism is for believers, those who have committed their lives to Christ. If you have accepted his gift of salvation for you and committed your life to following him, then baptism is for you.
Information Classes & Forms
There are currently no classes offered, please check the website and/or our Weekly Bulletin for new dates.
Next Baptism - TBA
Frenquently Asked Questions
If I was baptized in another church, do I need to be baptized again?
No. As long as your baptism was a Christian baptism, you do not need to be baptized again.
Does baptism have to be by immersion?
While The Wesleyan Church respects those denominations that believe this to be the case, we do not think the New Testament legislates any particular mode of baptism. The value of the sacrament of baptism is in the life and heart of the believer and in the grace of God, not in the amount of water used. So we affirm baptism that is done by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.
What about infant baptism?
The Wesleyan Church does allow for infant baptism as an expression of the grace of God that is already at work in the heart of that child. We also allow for the dedication of children, through which God's blessing is formally sought for the child and the parents publicly commit themselves to raise their child in accordance with the Bible.
Will I have to say anything?
Yes. Since baptism is intended to be a person's public profession of faith in Christ, we require those who are being baptized to make a verbal statement of their faith in Christ and intention to follow Him. The statement can be brief, but it must be made.
How does the service work?
Each person being baptized will be invited into the water. You will then have the opportunity to share your testimony and introduce your sponsor, following which you will be baptized by a pastor with the help of your sponsor. For modesty purposes, both men and women are encouraged to wear dark colored T-shirts over their swimming suits. You may also want to bring a towel and change of clothes.
What do I do next?
Attend one of the information meetings and fill out the baptism registration form and return it to the church office.