TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Baptism
A public declaration of faith. A celebration of new life in Jesus.
Let’s talk about baptism
Is it the next step for me?
When you have said “yes” to Jesus’ way of life, baptism is one of the next steps the Bible encourages you to take.
Invite your family, friends and church family to hear and celebrate what God has done in your life.
UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM
Why be baptised?
Declaration
Baptism publicly declares your faith in Jesus. It is also a witness to people who do not yet know him.
Symbolism
Going into the water symbolises dying to a life lived for ourselves. Coming out symbolises being raised to resurrection life in Jesus.
Celebration
Celebrate what God has done in your life with family and friends. The MBC church family will support and pray for you on the day and throughout your journey with God. Expect plenty of cheering and clapping!
Obedience
Jesus teaches us to baptise believers in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Baptism does not make someone a Christian. It is a well-documented practice for people old enough to choose to follow Jesus for themselves.
FAITH · NEW LIFE · CELEBRATION
Jesus’ mission for his followers
At the end of his time on earth, Jesus gathered his followers and gave them this mission:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:18-19, NRSV
READ & REFLECT
Jesus’ example
Matthew 3:13-17
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me?”
But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfil all righteousness.” Then he consented.
And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him 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, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
MAKE SPACE TO LISTEN
Reflect & imagine
Read the story again. Imagine that you are the person being baptised by John.
- What is the water like?
- How does it feel to hear God’s approval?
- How do you notice the Holy Spirit’s presence?
- What does God say to you specifically?
FOLLOWING JESUS’ EXAMPLE
Your three questions
At your baptism, answer “Yes” or “I do”.
- Do you believe in one God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit?
- Do you turn from sin and living life your own way to gladly accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour?
- Do you choose to follow him from this day on as part of God’s family on his mission?
PREPARING FOR YOUR BAPTISM
What to expect
Feeling anxious about being at the front or going under the water? Please tell us. There is flexibility in how we do this, so you do not need to let worry be a barrier.
What to wear and bring
Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting wet. Avoid white clothing. You will go into the pool barefoot. Bring a towel and spare clothes to change into afterwards.
Sharing your story
You will be invited to share briefly how you came to follow Jesus and why you want to be baptised. This is your testimony. Write it beforehand and read it, or ask someone else to read it for you.
In the pool
After your testimony, you will enter the pool with a church leader and a second person you trust. The water will be warm and waist-deep.
Your baptism
You will be asked three simple questions, shown in this guide. You can answer “Yes” or “I do”. You will then be gently lowered backwards into the water and brought straight back up, with prayer and applause.
ASK FOR HELP WHENEVER YOU NEED IT
Writing your testimony
One paragraph is enough. These three prompts can help:
- Before: Describe your life before you knew Jesus.
- Meeting Jesus: Describe how you came to know him.
- Life now: What difference has it made to know that Jesus loves you and died for you?
YOU DO NOT TAKE THIS STEP ALONE
Let’s talk
If you would like to take this next step in following Jesus, or have questions, please speak to Lou or someone else on the leadership team.