Baptism

We encourage all believers, in obedience to Jesus, to be water baptized as a powerful declaration of their death to an old life lived apart from God, and as a celebration of a new life begun in the power of the Spirit. We tell our stories of being lost and then found in Him so that all of us can celebrate His grace and deepen our faith. The symbolism is powerful and ancient. The church, including family and friends, are there not only as witnesses but as our new family into which Jesus death and resurrection have adopted us. Sign up to be water baptized below!

Sign up here for baptism

why should i be baptized?

1. To follow the example set by Christ.
(Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22)

‍“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.”  Mark 1:9

‍2. Because Christ commands it.
‍(John 3:22-23; Matthew 28:19-20)

‍“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’”  Matthew 28:19-20

‍3. It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
(Acts 18:8; 1 John 2:3)
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“...many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.”  Acts 18:8
“We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.”  1 John 2:3

what is the meaning of baptism?

1. It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection.
(Colossians 2:12)

‍“Christ died for our sins… He was buried…and He rose again.”  1 Corinthians 15:3-4
“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.”  Colossians 2:12

‍2. It illustrates new life as a Christian.
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(Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12-14)“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside.  The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!”  2 Corinthians 5:17

‍“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!”  Roman 6:4Baptism does not make you a believer — it shows that you already believe.  

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…it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

why be baptized by immersion?

The Greek word baptizo (baptize) means “to immerse or dip under water.”

‍1. Because Jesus was baptized that way.
(Matthew 3:16) “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.”  Matthew 3:16

‍2. Every baptism in the Bible (New Testament) was by immersion.
(Acts 8:38-39) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him.  When they came up out of the water…” Acts 8:38-39

‍3. It best symbolizes a death, burial and resurrection!
(Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12-14)

who should be baptized?

1. Adults:
Every person who has believed in Christ.“Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…”  Acts 2:41“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”  Acts 8:13“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News…and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”  Acts 8:12  

2. Children:
At Crosspoint Church we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children.  This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child.  The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ.  This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed.  This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe.  The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At Crosspoint Church, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.

when should i be baptized?

As soon as you have believed!
(Acts 8:35-39; Acts 16:30-34)“Those who believed...were baptized...that day!” Acts 2:41“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus.  As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water!  Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’  Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’  The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’  So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”  Acts 8:35-38There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are “perfect”, you will never feel “good enough!”

how should i prepare for baptism?

A. Schedule my baptism.

‍We have baptisms scheduled one Sunday a month; We encourage you to arrange for a time that your family and friends can share in this moment with you.  Please call the church office for scheduled dates.You can schedule your baptism either by calling the church office, registering online, or registering at the Welcome Center in the Church lobby.  At the time of your registration, please let us know if you prefer to be baptized in the 9:00am or 11:00am worship service.

‍B. Prepare for the morning of my baptism.
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1. We ask that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the service.
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2. A ministry partner will be waiting to greet you at the Welcome Center.

3. We do provide robes (white), but we advise that both men and women wear shorts and a dark t-shirt underneath. We provide towels and changing rooms.

4. What to Bring:A plastic bag for your wet clothesHairdryer and/or whatever else you may need to prepare yourself for the rest of the service.Flip flops or house shoes to wear while you are waiting to be baptized.We want your baptism experience to be meaningful and celebratory.  We look forward to taking this journey with you!If you have any questions please contact our Connection and Discipleship Pastor, Wyatt Trafton at 314.892.5051, ext. 111 or email wtrafton@thecrosspoint.com