Water Baptism FAQs

1. WHY BE WATER BAPTIZED?

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example & obeying His command.

• “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” Matthew 3:16–17

• “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” Matthew 28:18–20

2. WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?

Water baptism is a public declaration of three important things:

• You are a follower of Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:41)

• You are beginning a changed life in Christ. (Romans 6:4)

• You are part of a new family. (Galatians 3:26–27)

3. CAN MY CHILD BE BAPTIZED?

We will baptize any child who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our children and student ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.

Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40) and was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).

At Abundant Life, we provide opportunities for parents to dedicate their babies and young children to the Lord. Parents commit to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. To plan a Child Dedication, please complete the Child Dedication Registration Form.