To follow the example set by Jesus

“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan [river].” Mark 1:9

Because Jesus commanded it

“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 28:19-20

Because it shows that I’m a Christian

“…And many of the Corinthians who heard him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8

Because following Jesus commands shows that I know him

“And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” 1 John 2:3

It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection

“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” I Corinthians 15:3-4

It illustrates my new life as a Christian

“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 3.

It connects me to a local group of Christians (a church)

“Those who believed…were baptized and added to the church that day.” Acts 2:41

Like Jesus was, by being fully immersed under water

“After His baptism, Jesus came up out of the water….” Matthew 3:16

Like the Bible teaches – every baptism in the Bible was by immersion

“And they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water… ” Acts 8:38-39

The word Baptize means

“To dip under water”

- The Greek word Baptizo means “To immerse or dip under water”

- Immersion best symbolized a burial and resurrection

Every person who has believed in Christ!

- “Those who believed…were baptized…” Acts 2:41

- “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” Acts 8:12

- “Simon himself believed and was baptized…” Acts 8:13

At Harvest, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

At Harvest, it is a membership requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.

As soon as you have accepted Jesus into your life

“Those who believed…were baptized…that day!” Acts 2:41

There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Jesus into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you’ll never feel “good enough”!

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.

We ask that women wear shorts and a top which will preserve modesty. Men may wear swim trunks and shirt. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.

No. At the beginning of the baptism the pastor will briefly explain the meaning of baptism. You will wait at the edge of the pool for your turn to be baptized. The pastor will introduce you, briefly lower you just under the water & raise you back up out of the water. We’ll take a quick picture and then you can leave the pool, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be given a baptism certificate & photo to remember your special experience. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism.