Baptism

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward work that the Holy Spirit is doing inside a person. It’s also a public declaration of three very important things:

• You are a follower of Jesus Christ.

Those who accepted his message were baptized…
Acts 2:41 NIV

• You are beginning a changed life in Christ.

For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
Romans 6:4 NLT

• You are part of a new family.

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27 NIV

• Because, Jesus modeled baptism for us.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Matthew 3:16-17 NLT

• Because Jesus told us to do the same.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

As a church, we at Celebration strive to honor and follow this command. We believe that if you have chosen to put your faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life, then your immediate next step should be to get baptized.

You might have guessed it by now, when you believe.

But now the people believed Philip’s message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized.
Acts 8:12 NLT

Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then seeking a second baptism certainly is possible and could be a helpful step in your growing faith. Connect with one of our pastors for further exploration. Just keep in mind that this practice is not about checking a box or earning God’s love. The focus remains on Jesus, and His amazing work in your life.

Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated Him to the Lord as a child (Luke 2:22–40), and later as an adult Jesus modeled baptism for us (Matthew 3:16–17).

We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.

So at Celebration, we provide opportunities for child dedication and believer’s baptism. To schedule a child dedication, please sign up below.

We will baptize anyone over age 10 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. Your child may think all kinds of things when they hear about or see a baptism! So it’s important to have conversations with them and explore their understanding. We encourage:

• First talk to them about salvation. Baptism shows we follow Jesus. If your child hasn’t chosen Jesus as their leader and number one friend, it’s not time for baptism yet.
• Experience baptism. Watch a baptism together and let your child share their perspective.
• Have a conversation. Explore these commonly asked questions with them in an age appropriate way.
• Pray with your child. Allow your child to lead a portion of your prayer time. Pray God will reveal Himself to your child and that God will reveal to you whether or not your child is ready.
• Celebrate. Whether your child is ready for baptism or not, celebrate the opportunities you have taken to disciple them. God will watch over seeds planted.

We baptize people by full immersion or dunking, as it signifies being buried with Christ and then raised again to new life in Jesus!

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water…
Matthew 13:16 NLT

If you sign up to be baptized, one of our pastors will reach out to go over next steps. Things like when to arrive at church, what to wear, where to go, what to do, and any other details you need to know.

You’ll be guided throughout the entire process, and your pastor will be available to answer any questions you have.