We are excited that you are interested in baptism. At North Maine Community Church we believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his/her Savior. These web pages have been designed to explain baptism at our church and the steps necessary to being baptized at an upcoming service. We consider it a privilege to walk with you as you take this next step on your spiritual journey. The following pages are intended to contain all the information you’ll need, but if after checking them out, you have further questions, feel free to contact us at info@northmaine.org.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a symbolic act of obedience by a believer that publicly declares that he/she has placed his/her trust in Jesus Christ as Savior. It is a public declaration, an outward expression of the inward change that Jesus has made in you.
Who Should Be Baptized?
Christians are people who believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with Him. If you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact us.
Why Be Baptized?
Baptism is an important step of obedience (1 John 2:3) for every believer because:
1) We are to follow Christ’s example (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11).
2) Christ commanded it (Matthew 28:19-20).
3) It identifies us as believers (Acts 18:8).
Because we have placed our trust in Jesus Christ, we are now to follow after him obediently. Several passages show us that Jesus Himself was baptized (see above) and it was an act of obedience in the early church (Acts 8:26-38; Acts 16:11-15). Baptism is something you should be proud of, because you are telling Jesus that you want to obey and follow Him! And you can know that He is well pleased with what you are doing!
What Does Baptism Symbolize?
Baptism is a way of showing others that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in his/her heart at the time of salvation:
1) Acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
2) Sharing in His death and resurrection illustrated by going under the water (dead to our old life), then rising again (new life) (Col. 2:12).
3) Being symbolically washed clean, our sins being forgiven by His death on the cross.
4) Being given new life and becoming a new creation (Romans 6:4).
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. We immerse (Acts 8:38, 39) at North Maine Community Church because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him.
What About Infant Baptism/Christening?
In some denominations, infant christening represents a decision made by parents that they are dedicating their child to Christ. It’s a very important time for parents to commit to raise their children in accordance with the teachings of Scripture. It is important to remember that whether you were christened as a baby or your parents participated in a baby dedication, that doesn’t make you a Christian. Only a personal acceptance of Christ’s death on the cross for your sins can do that. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism.
What About Children?
If the parent can testify to the child’s acceptance of Jesus Christ as his or her personal Savior, he or she may be baptized. The child will be asked to talk with one of the pastors just to be sure that they really do understand what baptism means.
What if I’ve Already Been Baptized?
Many people have been baptized prior to accepting Christ as Savior. If you have become a believer (born again) since your first baptism, we encourage you to be baptized again.
The Baptism Process
The baptism process has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. From the registration form to the baptism meeting, each step has been carefully planned with you in mind:
1. Watch Andy Stanley's message on baptism.
2. Complete the baptism application. Once we receive your application we'll contact you to schedule your videotaping and baptism.
3. Set up a meeting with pastor or staff and film your testimony.
4. Get baptized! Baptisms generally take place during one of our Sunday evening Community Celebrations – your video testimony also will be shown sometime in the Sunday morning services.