Baptism shows others that you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and are following him.
Below are questions and answers that explain why and how baptism is done here at Greater Impact.
If you wish to be baptized or have other questions, please go to the bottom of this page, complete the form and submit it.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Jesus - "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river."
Mark 1:9.
Because Jesus commanded it - Jesus said, "There go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
It demonstrates that I really am a follower of Christ - "...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ's death/burial and resurrection. "...Christ died for our sins...he was buried...and he was raised." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. "Having been buried with him in Baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Colossians 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Why be baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16. Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion. "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38-39
The word "baptize" literally means "to immerse or dip under water". It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."
John Calvin... "The word "baptize" signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church "
John Wesley... "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
Though immersion is the preferred means of baptism here at Greater Impact, an individual may request another form (i.e., pouring or sprinkling) for personal or medical reasons.
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to Believe in Christ. "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41. "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized." Acts 8:13
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you believe, if possible, or at the first opportunity. "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:41
What bout being baptized twice?
When a person is baptized, they are baptized into the kingdom of God, not into a specific church or denomination. Therefore, one’s original baptism makes them a member of God’s family no matter what church one attend. There are times, however, when renewing one’s commitment to Christ may result in being baptized again, like renewing one’s wedding vows. If this is something you are interested in doing, please complete the form below and check “More Information.” We would be glad to talk to you further about this.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized simultaneously. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Will I have to say anything?
No, you do not have to say anything but you are welcome to share your testimony at this time. At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with the others.
Below are questions and answers that explain why and how baptism is done here at Greater Impact.
If you wish to be baptized or have other questions, please go to the bottom of this page, complete the form and submit it.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Jesus - "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan river."
Mark 1:9.
Because Jesus commanded it - Jesus said, "There go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:19-20
It demonstrates that I really am a follower of Christ - "...many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized." Acts 18:8
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ's death/burial and resurrection. "...Christ died for our sins...he was buried...and he was raised." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. "Having been buried with him in Baptism and raised with him through your faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead." Colossians 2:12
It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17. We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." Romans 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer, it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not "save" you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring. It's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Ephesians 2:8-9
Why be baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16. Every baptism in the New Testament was by immersion. "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38-39
The word "baptize" literally means "to immerse or dip under water". It is the best way to picture a burial and resurrection.
Martin Luther... "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."
John Calvin... "The word "baptize" signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church "
John Wesley... "Buried with Him, alluding to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."
Though immersion is the preferred means of baptism here at Greater Impact, an individual may request another form (i.e., pouring or sprinkling) for personal or medical reasons.
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has made the decision to Believe in Christ. "Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized." Acts 2:41. "But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized." Acts 8:13
When should I be baptized?
As soon as you believe, if possible, or at the first opportunity. "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Acts 2:41
What bout being baptized twice?
When a person is baptized, they are baptized into the kingdom of God, not into a specific church or denomination. Therefore, one’s original baptism makes them a member of God’s family no matter what church one attend. There are times, however, when renewing one’s commitment to Christ may result in being baptized again, like renewing one’s wedding vows. If this is something you are interested in doing, please complete the form below and check “More Information.” We would be glad to talk to you further about this.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized simultaneously. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
Will I have to say anything?
No, you do not have to say anything but you are welcome to share your testimony at this time. At the beginning of the baptism service, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the water for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water, and then you will leave the water, dry off, and watch with the others.