FROM DEATH TO LIFE
If you’ve made a decision to follow Christ, it’s time to get baptized. Whether you made that decision last night, last year, or maybe a long time ago – baptism is your next step. Baptism doesn’t make you right with God, only faith in Christ does that, but baptism is the external symbol of the inward transformation Christ has brought into your life. But it’s more than just a symbol, it’s a step of obedience in your own faith and you also build other people’s courage and faith in the process.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
The Bible describes baptism as:
A Move From Death to Life: Baptism is a symbol of Christ’s burial and resurrection. Our entrance into the water during baptism identifies us with Christ’s death on the cross, His burial in the tomb, and His resurrection from the dead (Colossians 2:12-14).
A Brand New Life: It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. We bury the ‘old life’ and we rise to walk in a ‘new life’. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart, a commitment that has to be followed through and lived out on a daily basis (2 Corinthians 5:17) 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.
A Blessed Life: In baptism, the believer has the triune name of the triune God placed upon them, ‘Father’, ‘Son’ & ‘Holy Spirit’. The name of the Lord Jesus Christ is the name of the Godhead (one God in three persons). The Gospels tell us to baptise believers “… into the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”, Matthew 28:19. Baptism confirms our position ‘in Christ’ and affirms the blessings of the Father on us as his children.
A New Family: Baptism also connects us to the ‘body of Christ’, his people in the earth. In baptism there is a real sense of being joined with other believers, not just participating in an individual act of our own spiritual journey. “…For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body…” 1 Corinthians 12:12-13
WHO SHOULD/CAN BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptized (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! (Acts 2:41)
Do you baptize children?
There is no perfect age to be baptized, however, as children get older the more deeply they will understand what baptism means and be able to remember their baptism for their whole life. We recommend kids be in grade 5 or older before they start exploring the opportunity to be baptized. If you believe your child is ready to be baptized please contact Pastor West at
WHEN SHOULD A BELIEVER BE BAPTIZED?
Believers in the New Testament were baptised the same day they put their faith in Christ! When someone becomes a Christian, they should be baptized as soon as they can.
“Those who accepted his message were baptised….” Acts 2:41.
WHAT'S THE PROCESS AT FEMINC FOR BAPTISM?
We hold baptismal services 4-6 times throughout the year. Fill out this form, and you’ll be notified of the next opportunity. Additionally, you can check out this page to see any upcoming baptism opportunities.
Prior to being baptized, we have a short but important class for you to attend. This class grounds you theologically in the meaning of baptism and gives you an opportunity for a Q and A with someone from our team.
PARENT AND CHILD DEDICATION
You are on your way to making a monumental decision in the life of your child and your family! Child dedication shows you as parents are choosing to give God first priority in your home by being a part of a ceremony in our church where children are prayed over and dedicated to God. You will be making a public commitment before God that you as parents will live the Christian pattern as outlined in the Bible and raise your children accordingly. The following Bible verses illustrate the importance of bringing your children before God.
1 Samuel 1:27–28 | Psalm 32:8 | Matthew 19:14-15 | Mark 10:15-16 | Deuteronomy 11:19
Dedicating your child involves completing and submitting the application form, attending the Child Dedication class, and then bringing your child to the designated service where the officiating pastor will lead in a statement of commitment and then lead the congregation in prayer for you and your child. Parents may take the class any time prior to their child’s dedication. The class is mandatory for all parents participating in the dedication. Parents do not need to retake the class if they previously attended it within the past three years.