Picture it:
The early church. It’s A.D. 33 or so, and Peter is out preaching to a huge crowd. More than 3,000 people there say “yes” to accepting Christ, turn from their sins, and get baptized...all in the same day!
Baptism was one of the first things a new Christ-follower did after responding in faith to the good news of Jesus. In the early days, one would be hard-pressed to find an “unbaptized“ Christian anywhere.
Jesus instructed, “Believe and be baptized,” (Mark 16:16), and that’s what those who chose to align themselves with Jesus did. Jesus’ words are a command for us to go public with our new faith. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward conversion experience—and it is a celebration into a new life.
According to Romans 6:4, baptism identifies us with Christ’s death (as we go under the water) and with his resurrection (as we come up). At baptism, the believer dies to the old person to become a brand new person who puts Christ in charge of his or her life.
What is my first step if I want to be baptized?
Come to the front of the Worship Center during the decision song (usually at the end of the service). Once there, someone will walk you through the process. Or, during the week you can call (812.334.0206) or email us.
If you are an adult, to schedule your baptism please contact Mary Moll in the church office.
If you are the parent of a school-aged child, to schedule their baptism please contact Scott Newland or Cynthia Parkes in the church office.
When can I be baptized?
In Acts 8, a Christ-follower named Philip comes across an Ethiopian man who was a non-believer. The non-believer decided he wanted to be a Christian and be baptized.
At the sight of nearby water he excitedly asks Philip, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?"
Philip went into the water with the Ethiopian man and baptized him on the spot.
The point, you ask? While the decision to become a Christ-follower is a serious one, baptism can be pretty “spur of the moment” once your decision is made. If you would like to be baptized on the spot, we are happy to do that with you.
You may, however, be the less-than-spontaneous type and like a little more time to process your decision and time to invite loved ones to this special occasion. If that is the case, you can plan your baptism during any of the worship services, or we can schedule your baptism with just family and friends at a time that works with your schedule.