When should you be water baptized?
After you have committed your life to Christ. Once you believe that Jesus is the Son of God and was crucified and then resurrected from the dead you can and should be baptized. There is no reason to delay. If you wait until you feel “good enough” you will be waiting forever. Jesus asks you to follow Him in baptism now.
How should you be baptized?
The Bible gives us several examples of water baptism and all were done by being immersed or being submerged briefly under water.
What if you were baptized as a child?
Many churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began hundreds of years after the Bible was completed.
This is different from the practice of baptism we see in the Bible which was done by those who had made a personal decision for Christ. For this reason, we reserve baptism for those who are old enough to understand and choose to make a personal commitment to Christ.
At Cornerstone Church we want to clarify the difference between water baptism and child dedication. Several times a year we perform Child Dedication services for parents to make a covenant between themselves and God on behalf of the child. At that time, parents will declare to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal decision to follow Christ. You can read more about this service here: Child Dedication
What if my child wants to be baptized?
The Bible gives no age for when a child is ready to be baptized. For baptism to be a meaningful experience and expression of faith, its significance should be understood. Our desire is for a child to understand this important step of baptism in his or her life. Typically when children reach the age of 8 or 9 they begin to have the ability to understand abstract concepts of water baptism like spiritual death, burial and resurrection. But each baptism is determined on a case by case basis. Each child being baptized needs to have a solid understand of the symbolism and meaning of water baptism.
Who should I invite to the water baptism service?
You can invite family, friends and anyone who is important to you. This is a celebration! Invite as many people as you want. At Cornerstone Church we also encourage you to think of those who have been instrumental in your faith journey. We will invite them to join you on the platform as you are baptized.
What should I bring?
Clothes to be baptized in and dry clothes to change into after the baptism.
Please wear jeans, khakis, dark t-shirts, etc. Please DO NOT wear shorts, swimsuits, light or white clothing . Some people like to wear 2 shirts. One tucked in to keep the stomach covered and another over it.
Please bring a towel.
We will provide a plastic bag for your wet clothing and towel to be taken home in.
We will have designated changing rooms on the day of the baptism.
How should I prepare for my video testimony?
Please pray and prepare your thoughts to be shared on video.
You are encouraged to work on your story and even write it out. Looking over what you have written will show you the important parts to highlight during your video testimony. The most powerful stories of faith in Christ are well thought through and to the point. If you can write your story in 100 words or less, that is a powerful tool you can use to share your faith for the rest of your life.
Here is a helpful framework: The key word or concept that describes who you were before you met Christ. How and when (as much as possible) you came to the realization of your need to follow Christ and give him control of your life. The key word or concept that describes who you are now that you are walking with Christ, how life has changed and what you are thankful to Christ for.
We will contact you to set up an appointment to share on video.
If you have any other questions about water baptism at Cornerstone Church please contact us at 507-433-7008 or email us at office@cornerstoneaustin.org