Baptism

Baptism is a symbolic representation of dying to your old life and being raised to a new life in Christ. It is an important step in living out our Christian faith.

If you've made the decision to follow Jesus, this is your next step. Below you will find some frequently asked questions about baptism. We encourage to check out this section.

Baptisms occur in two ways here at the CrossRoads. We have what's called a "baptistry" (a real big tub) visible behind the stage in our auditorium. We can fill it with warm water and have a baptism on any Sunday, just let us know when. And then, every Summer, we go to Stearns Park Beach for water baptisms and a picnic there.

If you are interested in being baptized, just fill out the form below and we'll get in touch with you.

1. Every person who has trusted Christ as Savior should be baptized according to His command.

   Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 28:19  (NIV)

2. At CrossRoads Church, we wait until children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. The Bible clearly teaches that baptism comes after the decision is made to trust Jesus for salvation.

   Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.

Acts 2:41  (NKJV)

3. Some churches practice a baptism of confirmation or dedication 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 practice 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 own personal commitment to Christ. At the CrossRoads, we believe every believer should be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” or “dedicated” as children.  

  If you received a baptism of confirmation or dedication as an infant, the best way to view baptism by immersion is as an affirmation of your parents’ commitment to you as a child. That you are choosing to follow Christ and make your own decision to follow Him in baptism honors your parents’ earlier prayers and intentions. 

The short answer is: As soon as you have believed. There 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’ll never feel “good enough!”

   Then Philip began to speak; starting from this passage of scripture, he told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled down the road, they came to a place where there was some water, and the official said, “Here is some water. What is to keep me from being baptized?”  The official ordered the carriage to stop, and both Philip and the official went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. 

Acts 8:35-38  (NIV)

1. Baptism is meant to be an illustration, or symbol, of Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. In the act of baptism, we are identifying ourselves with His own death, burial, and resurrection.

   Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead. 

Colossians 2:12  (NIV)

2. Baptism is also an illustration of my new life in Jesus Christ.   

   We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. 

Romans 6:4  (NIV)

1. When Jesus was Himself baptized by John the Baptist, it was by immersion. 

   As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.

Matthew 3:16a  (NIV)

2. There is no indication anywhere in the Scriptures that any baptisms were done in any other way than by immersion. The word “baptize” literally means to immerse or dip under water. When someone is immersed into water, it is the best way to “picture” a burial and a resurrection!

3. The founders of various denominations agree: 

   ✦ Martin Luther (Lutheran) . . . “I would have those who are baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.”

  ✦ John Calvin (Presbyterian & Reformed) . . . “The word baptize signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

   ✦ John Wesley (Methodist & Wesleyan) . . . “Buried with Him alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Women should wear shorts and a top or a one piece swimsuit with a t-shirt. Men should wear a t-shirt with shorts or a swimsuit. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes. 

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. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with a children’s ministry leader to assure their understanding of the meaning and purpose of baptism.

However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience. 

No, it is not required (although you may speak if you feel led to). At the beginning of the time of baptisms, the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. When it is your turn, you will be introduced and asked if you have trusted Christ as your Savior. Then, you will cover your nose and mouth as you are immersed just under the water. At this point you can leave the water and dry off. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.