Why be baptized?

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.

• “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:16–17

• “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore 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 28:18–20

Baptism is a powerful picture of an even more powerful story.

• There is power in sharing our stories.

• When you are baptized, you share not only your personal story of life change, but the one story that can change everyone’s life. When you are submerged under the water, you are identifying with the death and burial of Jesus. When you are raised out of the water, you are identifying with His resurrection. In this way, you make a public declaration of your faith in the life-giving work of Jesus, and the Holy Spirit works in the hearts of others to bring life change, as well.

What is the significance of baptism?

Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

• You are a follower of Jesus Christ.
  “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41

• You are beginning a new life in Christ.
  “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

• You are part of a new family.
  “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” —Galatians 3:26–27

I have already been baptized.

Should I be baptized again?

Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life rooted in His grace, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.

If you experienced water baptism by immersion after accepting Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you do not need to be baptized again in order to become a member of Journey Church.

What about children?

At Journey, we seek to partner with parents to lead children in a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. If your child has prayed to receive Christ as his/her Savior and understands what baptism symbolizes, registering for baptism is your next step.

If your child has questions about baptism, or you are unsure of their level of understanding, we would love to help. Our Journey Kids Team is trained to answer questions and guide discussion with children of all ages about matters of faith, and it would be our joy to sit down with you and your child to discuss baptism and any other questions they may have. Contact us to schedule a visit today!