Baptism
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression and celebration of the decision you made when you entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes the transformation that took place in your heart at the time of salvation, while publicly announcing Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. It represents sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection, being washed clean, and being forgiven of your sins.
Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, Baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God.
Who Should be Baptised?
Baptism is for those who have committed their lives to Christ. If you have accepted His gift of salvation and committed your life to follow Him, then you should be baptized.
What does the Bible say about baptism?
Matthew 28:19-20
Baptism is the means by which someone is identified as a follower of Christ.
I Corinthians 12:13
Baptism is the act through which we formally become members of the Body of Christ.
Romans 6:1-11
Baptism by immersion identifies us with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It represents our death to self and sin and our resurrection to new life in Him.
Acts 22:16
The water of Baptism represents the washing away of our sins as well as the cleansing of our hearts and lives before God.
Sign up to be baptized
Press the button to sign up to be baptised or to have someone reach out to you with some additional information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
If I was baptized in another church, do I need to be baptized again?
No. As long as your Baptism was a Christian Baptism, you do not need to be baptized again.
What about infant Baptism? Can my child be baptized?
At Cornerstone, there is no set age children must be to be baptized, as long as they have an understanding of what baptism is, and for them, we'll happily baptize children. We also celebrate with dedications of infants, through which God’s blessing is formally sought for the child and the parents publicly commit themselves to raise their child in accordance with the Scriptures.
Parents or guardians interested in baptizing a child should contact Marilyn Mansvelt, our Children’s Ministry pastor. She would really enjoy the opportunity to talk with you and your child about Baptism.
If I was baptized as a child, do I need to be baptized again?
No, your Baptism as an infant doesn’t expire. However, when someone is baptized as an infant, the responsibility of following and growing in Christ lies with the infant’s parents. Therefore, many people who were baptized as an infant desire to be baptized again as an adult in order to publicly profess their own faith as well as their personal decision and commitment to follow Christ.
Will I have to say anything?
We'll ask you three questions before baptizing you.
Do you believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit?
Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins?
Do you commit to making Jesus the Lord of your life?
How does the service work?
Generally, baptisms are at the end of our Sunday morning services. You'll make arrangements with Pastor Denn about which morning service you'd like to be baptized in. As the last song is being played, one of the pastors will get in the baptism tank and call up the first person. You'll be asked three questions, and given simple instructions on how to place your hands so the pastor can help you back up out of the water, you'll bend your knees, go underwater, and be pulled back up. You may want to have a family member or friend close by taking pictures and holding a towel for you to dry off with. The crowd will cheer and you can make your way out to get changed into something dry.
What should I wear?
For modesty purposes, both men and women should wear dark-colored T-shirts and shorts or pants. Please choose wisely and consider how your outfit will look on you once it is wet. Again, we stress modesty in your choice of clothing. Please also bring a towel and a change of clothes.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any further questions or want to talk with a pastor, click the button and leave us a message.