Baptism

Baptism

What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that has taken place in our lives after we have placed our faith and trust in Christ. Lowering into the water symbolizes dying to your old life without God. You are then raised to a new life living like the Christ.

  • Symbolizes your new life in Christ. Baptism is a picture of our transformation from chaos to new life with God. Read more in Romans 6.3-4 and 2 Corinthians 5.17.
  • Symbolizes your good standing with God. You are saved by grace through faith when you believe. It washes that truth over you in a real and meaningful way. Read more in 1 Peter 3.21 and Romans 8.16.
  • Is a public declaration of who the leader is of your life. It is an opportunity to publicly share your decision to make Jesus leader of your life. You won’t be perfect but you are seeking to follow him in everything. Read more in Galatians 3.27 and John 14.15.

 

Start a conversation about baptism

We encourage you to start a conversation about the next step in your faith journey.

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You don’t have to have your life straightened out, be a straight A student or even a member of our church to be baptized. Ready to take a NEXT STEP with baptism? Still exploring? Let’s start a conversation.

Baptism FAQ

Here are a few questions we are frequently asked about baptisms at Ada Bible. Don’t see your question? Send us an email.

  • Can someone other than Ada Bible staff perform my baptism?

    Basically yes. If you would like someone other than the staff member scheduled to baptize you, please let us know during the interview and we will attempt to make arrangements.

  • Do you baptize children?

    We will baptize a child if they clearly understand what Jesus has done for them and can speak about it in a way so there is no question it is their faith and not their parents’. We prefer a child to have reached middle school age before considering baptism. If your child is interested in being baptized, the first step will be to have a conversation with a Discovery Village or Lifeline staff member.

    Ada Bible does not baptize infants but we offer Child Dedication whereby parents commit to raising their children by biblical principles. Send us an email if you’d like more information about Child Dedication.

  • How do you do baptisms?

    We practice baptism by immersion in water. We believe that immersion, unlike other forms of baptism, paints a wonderful picture of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. It also portrays the washing, or cleansing, that God has done in a believer’s life.

  • How often do you have baptism services?

    We schedule baptism services generally once a month on a rotating basis at our campuses. Baptism services are typically held on Saturday evenings following the regular Saturday evening service.

    You are welcome to be baptized at the campus you regularly attend or at any campus with a date convenient for you. Your baptism is a celebration of the changes God is making in your life, and not affiliated in any way with one particular campus.

  • I was baptized as a child. Do I need to do it again?

    There is no simple answer to this question. Baptism provides an opportunity to publicly share your belief in Jesus and God’s forgiveness of your sins. It is also a great time for the church to celebrate the change God has brought about in your life.

    Please send us an email if you have questions.

  • What do I wear and what should I bring to the baptism?

    You will be provided a black t-shirt to wear during the baptism celebration that will be yours to keep. You will also be provided a white robe after coming up out of the water. The black and white are symbolic of moving from darkness to light and from death to life. You may also want to bring a towel, a bag for your wet clothes and a change of dry clothes.

  • What is the process for being baptized?

    If you are ready to take the NEXT STEP to be baptized, (1) start a conversation with the button above. (2) A church leader will contact you to schedule a time to meet. (3) They will talk with you about your faith in Jesus, your spiritual journey and the meaning of baptism. They will also explain about the baptism service itself and answer any questions. (4) You will write your “testimony”—the story of how you trusted Jesus. (5) You will be scheduled for a baptism service and baptized!

  • Who does baptism services?

    Our baptism services are performed by Campus Pastors, Small Group Pastors or Lifeline Pastors. Pastor Jeff Manion baptizes at the Cascade Campus but is not always available. The Campus Pastor and administrative team generally coordinate baptisms at each campus.