What is the Meaning of Baptism?
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

Baptism does not save you. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer's faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer's death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to his faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance, it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership and to the Lord's Supper.

"For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ." Colossians 2:12

Why Do We Baptize by Immersion?
The word baptize means "to dip under water." The Greek word baptizo means "to immerse or dip under water." Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. This is the way Jesus was baptized.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16

Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Jesus Christ and is old enough to understand the true meaning of baptism.

"Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized..." Acts 2:41

When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.

"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, 'Look, here is water! Why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The man answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him." Acts 8:35-38

Please contact the church office by email or by phone at 573-334-4600 if you have more questions on baptism, or if you would like to schedule your baptism.