Baptism is meant to be the first act of obedience in a lifetime of trusting and following Jesus. After Jesus’ resurrection, He commanded His apostles to go out into the world and make disciples (students) of people from every nation. People who chose to become disciples/students of Jesus were to be baptized and then taught the teachings of Jesus.

So we realize that as followers of Jesus Christ, baptism is a part of the process. Many people have questions surrounding baptism. So here is CCC’s practice and understanding of Scripture and Jesus’ teaching.

Why baptism? Why immersion?

• Jesus Himself was baptized by immersion; Matthew 3:13-17
• Jesus commanded it; Matthew 28:18-19
• The church practiced it from day one; Acts 2:38-41
• Baptism is a Greek word that literally means immersion; Romans 6:4
• We do Bible things in Bible ways; Philippians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:2
• The water is not magic. God graciously saves us as we trust Him; Ephesians 2:8-9

I was sprinkled/baptized when I was young/don’t remember my baptism. Should I be re-baptized? I made a commitment to Jesus but I’ve never been immersed.

• There are 9 conversion accounts recorded for us in the Book of Acts. Every single story begins with the person receiving Jesus through faith. Every story ends with the response of baptism. This is the expected pattern.
• We do not teach infant baptism or baptism for children who are too young to make a personal commitment to Jesus, because we do not see it in the Bible. We believe God holds children as innocent until they come to a point of making a decision about Jesus.
• We affirm the faith of your parents and home church that did all they could to put you on a path of faith. Your decision to be immersed of your own choice honors what your parents instilled in you.

Do I have to be re-baptized to become a member?

• If you would like to become a member of CCC and you are already an immersed believer in Jesus, you do not need to be baptized. If you are a Christian who has not been baptized, we do ask you to be immersed upon joining this church family. We would ask you to do this out of respect for Jesus Christ, and also to set the example for others who would like to follow Jesus.
• Many people have a faith story that includes some time away from God. If that’s you, welcome home! Some in this situation wonder if they should be re-baptized. We believe if you made a commitment to Jesus and were baptized, you do not need to be baptized again. You simply need to repent. If you prayerfully come to the conclusion that God would want you to be baptized again, we can do that.

Would you baptize my baby?

• We do not teach infant baptism or baptism for children who are too young to make a personal commitment to Jesus, because we do not see it in the Bible. We believe God holds children as innocent until they come to a point of making a decision about Jesus.
• We would be happy to have a child dedication ceremony for your child, where you as parents commit to bring your child up in a way that leads them to Jesus. We as a church commit to teaching and modeling Christian character.

What happens when I’m baptized?

• We’d be happy to show you the facilities and the baptistery.
• You will want to wear something you can get wet in. We recommend a swimsuit covered with a dark t-shirt. The water is treated, warm, and clean.
• You will be able to say any words you’d like about why you’re being baptized. We will also ask you to affirm your faith in Jesus before being immersed.
• The person baptizing you will help you lay back in the water and immediately bring you back up. We will have towels and people to assist you in getting out of the baptistery and into a secure changing area.
• You can be baptized by anyone who is also a Christian: a friend, pastor, family member, Connect Group member.
• Realize no matter what you feel in the moment, God is working within your spirit as you obey Jesus, regardless of what you do or don’t sense.