BAPTISM
Why Baptism?
Perhaps the better question is, why not baptism? For the Christian, baptism is an outward sign of an inward grace. It symbolizes the saving work of God in one’s life. Jesus commanded His disciples to make other disciples, with part of this being baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).
The earliest Christians would never have imagined a person converting to Christianity without being baptized, but at the same time they do not tell us that God requires baptism in order to having a saving relationship with Jesus. It just makes sense for a person to declare that he or she has decided to follow Jesus as His disciple in baptism. Acts 8:12 says, “When they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women” (NIV). This verse suggests an immediate baptism following belief. You may have waited months or even years after becoming a Christian to choose to be baptized. Whatever the timeline, if you're reading this and considering baptism, we encourage you to take this next step.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is eligible for baptism?
The Missionary Church’s roots are in Anabaptism, and we believe that baptism is for believers.
What if I was baptized in another church?
Wonderful! You do not need to be baptized here. The church of the fourth century wrestled with what to do with those who had been baptized by pastors who had denied Christ due to persecution and who later rejoined the church after Christianity was legalized. Their conclusion is that it is not the goodness of the pastor (or in this case, the denomination of the church) but the faithfulness of God that makes baptism an ordinance.
How will I be baptized?
We prefer to baptize by immersion because of the symbolism of dying and rising with Christ and because we believe this is the method most often used by Jesus’ disciples.
What do I need to do to prepare?
First, set up a time to meet with Pastor Josh to discuss the details of the baptism service. After this, you'll prepare a testimony to be shared either live or via video.
What if I was baptized as an infant?
If you were baptized as an infant, no doubt your parents had good intentions, and we commend them for it. Some people choose to affirm their faith with believers baptism later in life, and others are content to let their baptism as an infant stand. While we encourage believers baptism, we respect your choice to not be baptized again.
Why does the church want my testimony?
A relationship with Christ is meant to be personal, but not
private. Sharing the story of how God redeemed you and has
changed you is an encouragement to the church. You never know how God might use your words for the benefit of others.
When is the next baptism?
We tend to hold baptisms as part of our regular Sunday morning service 2-3 times a year. Easter Sunday is one regular time.