Questions about Baptism? (Baptism)

Why be Baptized?
... because you want to follow Christ's example. Mark 1:9
... because Christ commanded it. Matthew 28:19-20
... because it shows you are a believer. Acts 18:8
... because obeying Christ's command shows you know him. 1 John 2:3

What is Baptism?

It is a symbol of Christ's burial and resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Colossians 2:12
It is a symbol of your new life as a Christian. 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 6:4
Baptism does not make you a believer; it shows that you already are one! Baptism does not save you ... only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it is the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. Ephesians 2:8-9

How are we to be Baptized?

Like Jesus was baptized - by being immersed in water. Matthew 3:16
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. Acts 8:38-39
The word baptize literally means to dip under water. The greek word baptizo means to immerse or dip under water.

Who should be Baptized?

Everyone who has made the decision to believe in Christ. Acts 2:41, Acts 8:12, Acts 8:13
The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand.

When are we to be Baptized?

As soon as you have believed ... you should not delay! Acts 2:41, Acts 8:36-39
There is no reason to delay. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ, he can and should be baptized.

What about being Baptized twice?
Every member of Parkcrest Christian Church has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow.

Can my family be Baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment

Will I have to say anything?
At the beginning of your baptism, the Pastor or the person you choose to baptize you, will briefly introduce you by name and ask you the following questions: Do you believe the Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God? Have you accepted him as your Lord and Savior? After your affirmative response, he or she will lower you just under the water. After you are standing again, you will step back out of the baptistery and return to the changing rooms to dry off and change back into your clothes.

God will bless you as you demonstrate your faith in Christ.
You may be baptized during one of our weekend services at any of our campuses or participate in the annual Beach Baptism.

One the day of your baptism you will check-in at the sound booth prior to the service starting. An information packet will be mailed to you indicating when in the service you will be baptized. A Host will be present with you in the baptistery to assist you and answer any questions you may have. At this time you will be given brief instructions on how the baptism will be performed as well as have prayer in preparation for this special event.

Children who desire to be baptized need to attend a class with thier parent(s). This parent/child class is designed for kids age 6 and up who have made a personal decision to live for Jesus. After attending the class, we can arrange the baptism at almost any of the services. Classes are held in room 208 at 9 am on the 3rd Sunday of every month. For more information, check out the KIDzone page, under the "things to now" tab.

Do not be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publically identifies himself/herself as a believer by being baptized.

We encourage you to invite your family members and friends to witness your baptism. This is a wonderful day for you to share! We will provide a certificate to commemorate this event a few weeks following your baptism.