Baptism

Our belief is that baptism is in accordance with the Great Commission given by Jesus before he ascended into heaven. Matt 28:19-20 says: “19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (NRSV)

Our belief is that things must be done in this order. You cannot be baptized unless you have already accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior. Therefore infant baptism is not in agreement with Scriptural commands. Once a person has been exposed to the good news of Christ, and has said yes to Jesus, they can be baptized.

Again our preference is to follow the example given by Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark (chapter 1), Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John. As a result, we believe the best place for a baptism is in living water: that is a river, creek, or a lake that is feed by a river or creeks. Secondary locations can be any place of fresh water that has been dedicated to that use, such as a baptistery, pond, pool, etc. that is free from things like algae, and has been prayed over.

It is our belief that baptism is a public acknowledgement of a new Christian’s belief in Jesus and a willingness of that person to join the community of faith. As such, the baptism is preferred to be a public event with the local pastor doing the baptism and the congregation present to celebrate the event. This is not required, just preferred. In denominational settings, it is typical to provide a certificate of baptism to those who are baptized. When a baptism occurs outside of a traditional situation, this is a more complicated situation for the recording and accepting of the baptism by organized churches.

On a personal level, I think all religious events are an appropriate location for a baptism to occur (Summer Camps, Revivals, Conferences, etc.). I also think that Phillip was correct in baptizing the eunuch on the road in Acts 8:26-40.