Baptism

There are three reasons:

1. Biblically: Baptism by immersion is what we see in the New Testament. The word “baptize” is an old word that actually means “to completely sink under water.”
2. Theologically: Going under the water represents your choice to die to your self. Coming up out of the water represents Jesus raising you up to walk in new life.
3. Symbolically: It’s helpful to think about baptism as a visual way of depicting what has already happened spiritually. Your old self is gone. You’ve been raised with Christ!

The person who is baptizing you will ask you four questions:

1. “Why have you come to be baptized today?” (optional, open-ended)
   • This is open-ended opportunity to tell your faith story.
2. “Do you believe that you’re a sinner and that your sins separate you from a holy God?”
   • This question asks you to confess your pre-Christ state.
3. “Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins?”
   • This question invites you to affirm your trust in Christ alone for your salvation.
4. “Is it your intention to follow Jesus as Savior and Lord from this day forward?”
   1. This question invites you to publicly express your commitment to live under Jesus’ authority. If you answer “yes” to all three questions, you’ll be baptized “…in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” This is how Jesus tells His followers to baptize in Matthew 28.

Great question! A dark t-shirt and dark shorts are common. Bring a change of clothes for after you dry off.

Any staff pastor or member of NCC in good standing can baptize. If you have someone else in mind, please let our staff know. We ask for the opportunity to meet with them at least two weeks prior to your baptism. We’ll take the initiative to meet with them and train them in what they need to know.

Jesus welcomed children in His ministry, often holding them up as examples of the true nature of faith (Mark 10:14). While scripture doesn’t specify a minimum age, anyone who can clear express what it means to follow Jesus is welcome to be baptized. When working with kids, it’s often helpful for parents / disciple-makers to explain concepts through patient and thoughtful conversations. As an example, instead of asking “Do you commit to follow Jesus as Lord?” it might be better to ask “Do you want Jesus to be your boss?”

(Not a dumb question at all!) Because the baptismal tank is heated, the water’s actually pretty warm. Not “hot-tub-warm,” but it’s still pretty comfortable.

They’ll see you (because of the stage lights). But you probably won’t see them. There are also two microphones near the baptismal that’ll pick up your voice. Remember to speak up and speak clearly.

Yes. Yes. And yes 🙂 We encourage you to invite anyone you want to. Baptism is meant to be a party! You can also invite a few friends / family backstage to welcome you as you come out of the baptismal and dry off.

Our deacon team helps out backstage. They’ll be with you and make sure you get where you need to go and when you need to be there. They’ll also make sure you’ve got a towel to dry off with. Members of our worship team who are leading that week will also be backstage.

Fill out this form, and we’ll make it happen! Just as a heads up: We prefer to baptize on the fourth Sunday of each month. If that Sunday isn’t convenient, we’ll work with you to find a time that works well for you.