Baptism signup

Baptism is a way for believers to identify with Christ’s death, burial and resurrection, illustrating our new lives as followers of Jesus. Baptism doesn’t make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. It is a way of showing on the outside what change has already occurred in your heart.

• Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
• For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ… Colossians 2:12
• When someone becomes a Christian s/he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17
• By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!  Romans 6:4

Every person who has believed in Christ (who is old enough to believe and understand).

• Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized…  Acts 2:41

We believe it is important for one being baptized to be a believer in Jesus and to understand the purpose of baptism. For this reason, we are careful to wait to baptize children until they are old enough to have a personal faith in Jesus and to comprehend why they are being baptized. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children, a ceremony intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose of baptism, as shown in the Bible, is for believers to publicly demonstrate their commitment to follow Christ. At GSBC, it is a requirement of official membership that every member be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.

Should I invite people to see me baptized?
Yes, we encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.

What should I bring?
Wear modest clothes that you can get wet. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, a plastic bag for your wet clothes, and a hairdryer (optional). We provide changing rooms.

Will I have to say anything?
Yes, if you are willing, but not necessarily.

What happens when it’s my turn to be baptized?
The person baptizing you will call you down into the water. They will then ask you 2 questions: “Do you know the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior?” and “Do you promise, with God’s help, to do your best to continue to follow and obey Him?” You may respond by simply saying “Yes” or “I will.” The person baptizing you will then briefly lower you just under the water and then bring you back up. Then you can leave the pool, dry off, and return to the worship service.

Following the baptism, a certificate will be given or mailed to you.