Baptism
I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
WHY BAPTISM?
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
-Romans 6:4 (NIV)
How Do I Sign Up?
WE CURRENTLY OFFER BAPTISM CLASSES TWICE A YEAR
01
Complete Online Registration
You can get started by clicking on the link below and completing the water baptism online registration form.
02
Attend Pre-Baptism Class
Once the form has been submitted you’ll be invited to attend a short pre-baptism class with other candidates.
03
Join Us in the Water!
Lastly, we’ll take that step into the water together and make a public confession of your faith.
Common Questions
People often have questions regarding baptism: Why be baptized? Should I be baptized again? Will I have to say anything? These questions and more are answered below.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an important step of obedience to Christ and a public confession of your salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.
SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
At Pathway Community Church we value the importance of baptism for every believer. It is a significant milestone in every Christian’s life, and something that can be shared and witnessed by friends and loved ones. A typical water baptism at Pathway will usually have a mixture of people. It’s a time where different ages, genders and cultures can come together in a celebration of what God has done in their lives.
SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
Your baptism should have signified you identifying as a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT IN THE CLASS?
In the two session baptism classes you will discover the Biblical roots for the important Christian concepts of the lordship of Jesus and baptism. This short course is a way to gain deeper understanding of who Jesus is and the role baptism plays in a Christians life.
CAN MY CHILD OR INFANT BE BAPTIZED?
We will baptize anyone over age 10 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Pathway Kids and Pathway Youth ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
At the baptismal service, a pastor will introduce you and then ask you to briefly share what Jesus has done in your life. You will then be lowered into the water, afterwards you may leave the water, dry off, and watch the others.
CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.
However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience.