Baptism Information Meeting
Prior to being baptized, individuals will need to attend an informational meeting with Pastor Bill to learn more about what it means to be baptized.
About Baptism
Baptism is a public declaration of what Jesus Christ has done in your life. When you are baptized, you are telling the world that you have a relationship with God through Jesus and that you want to follow Him in obedience with your life. Regardless of age or background, baptism is an important step in your journey as a Christ follower.
The Bible teaches us that baptism publicly demonstrates your identification with Christ (Acts 2:38, 8:16: 10:48, 19:4-5; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:11-12). It symbolically points to the work of Christ – His death, burial and resurrection – and your participation in that work. It follows both the example (Matthew 3) and the command (Matthew 28:19) of Jesus.
At Madera Church we believe baptism is a celebration of the grace of Christ in your life that has occurred through your salvation. It is an outward proclamation of an internal transformation.
If you desire to be baptized please consider the following
Salvation and eternal life come by grace through faith alone in Jesus alone. His sacrifice on our behalf has made a way for us to have a personal relationship with God. Anyone who trusts Jesus Christ for their salvation receives God’s gift of eternal life. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Baptism does not save a person nor is it a work to keep salvation.
Baptism is a testimony to others that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and you desire to serve Him by obeying His commands.
Baptism should not be done out of coercion or pressure from others. It is a personal decision. (We encourage parents to teach their children about baptism, but ask that they leave the decision to the child to make for themselves).
Mode of Baptism
At Madera Church we traditionally celebrate total water immersion (The person being baptized will be completely submerged under water). The reasons for this are:
1. The word baptize means "to immerse" or "to identify.”
2. Immersion provides an accurate picture of the believer's conversion. Just as Jesus Christ died, was buried and rose again, so the believer, in a spiritual sense, does the same through faith in Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:1-4).
Procedure
1. Contact Pastor Bill to inform him of your desire to be baptized. He will meet with you to discuss your reasons for desiring baptism.
2. Consider sharing why you have come to this decision or a verse that has encouraged you in your walk as part of your baptism.
Baptismal Service
Fill out a Baptism Request form and confirm with Pastor Bill the Sunday you will be baptized on.
Please wear something that you do not mind getting wet. It is best to wear dark colors, not Layered T-shirts and shorts work well. Ladies may want to wear a bathing suit under a dark colored t-shirt or blouse.
Be sure to bring your own towel and a change of clothes for after your baptism.
The safest way to be baptized is to use one hand to hold your nose and the other hand to lay across your waist. When in the water, bend your knees first and then lean backward or forward until you are under the water. The person baptizing you will hold you so there will be no danger of slipping or falling.