Baptism
About Baptism
We believe that baptism is a step of obedience that Jesus requires of his followers, as it displays the gospel and gives us an opportunity to publicly profess our faith in Jesus Christ. We celebrate the decision that every person makes to become a follower of Jesus Christ, professing Jesus as Lord of their life.
And we celebrate this very reason that we exist as a church—to build disciples who pursue Christ, making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).
Adult Baptism Workshop
We require that any adult interested in baptism attends The Water, our baptism workshop. In this class, we discuss why baptism is important, share testimonies of how Jesus changes lives now and for eternity, and cover all the logistics you need to know as you make your journey into the water.
Student Baptism Class
For Grace Students, baptism is one of the steps on our milestone pathway – where we partner with parents to make disciples – and one that is cause for great celebration! We ask that all students (6th to 12th grade) interested in getting baptized attend our Student Baptism Class. In this two-session class, we will explore the meaning and significance of baptism, and walk alongside you as you prayerfully consider if this is the right decision for you. We will gather two times on consecutive Sundays between services (10:20-11A) in the Warehouse. At least one parent is required to attend along with your child.
Baptism is available for those in Middle School and older.
Upcoming Baptisms 2024 (FULTON, MARYLAND)
Wednesday, July 24 @ 6P at a private outdoor pool
Sunday, September 29
Upcoming ADULT Baptism Workshops (Choose one of these dates when you register)
Sunday, April 21 at 11A
Sunday, May 5 at 11A
Wednesday, May 22 at 6:30P
Upcoming STUDENT Baptism Classes (Choose one of these dates when you register) (must attend both sessions)
Sundays, June 9th & 16th @ 10:20A between services
Email connecting@grace.community for any questions
About Baptism at Grace
What
Baptism is an outward symbol that a person has entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what has taken place inwardly at the time of our salvation.
Why
Once a person admits that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that a person should proclaim the life change that has occurred: the watching world needs to know. Baptism has always stood as a public testimony for people who have moved from being a seeker to being a believer.
Who
Believers are those who have realized their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity, concluding that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.
If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, you should also want to show the world, through baptism, of your union with Christ.
How
We baptize by immersion at Grace because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the means for professing our faith in Him. However, the method of water is not the focus, but rather the state of the heart at the time of baptism. Other methods, such as sprinkling in another church, do “count” if the person had accepted Christ before that point, and he or she knew that he was making a public profession of his acceptance of Christ as his personal Savior.
Baptism in the Bible
Our Acceptance of Jesus Christ As Lord and Savior
John 3:16 // John 14:6
Sharing In His Death & Resurrection Illustrated By Going Under The Water, Dead To Our Old Life, Then Rising Again In New Life
Romans 6:3-5
Our Being Symbolically Washed Clean, Our Sins Being Forgiven by His Death on the Cross
Our Public Identification as Followers Of Christ
Matthew 28:19-20 // Acts 2:38-41 // Acts 8:12
