This is such a significant, wonderful time in your life and we want you to help you experience all the fullness of our Lord Jesus Christ who has captured our hearts. Baptism is not to be a dry, scary, or “religious” experience, but out of a living, loving relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior. Jesus is the very life of God himself- John 14:6 and this is just another way for us to tap into his life changing power in our lives. Here are a few things you might want to know about baptism and then ways for us to help you in this process.
Who should be baptized
Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the total payment for our sin.
If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love and commitment to one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that you love Christ. Baptism is an outward symbol of an inward commitment and allegiance to Christ. “It’s news I’m most proud to proclaim, this extraordinary message of God’s powerful plan to rescue everyone who trusts him…” (Romans 1:16)
What does baptism mean
Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in your heart at the time of salvation:
- Accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. At that time you are what the Bible calls born-again (see link) and you in baptism you are acknowledging Jesus Christ in your like by symbolically sharing in His death and resurrection, illustrated by going under the water (dead to your old life), then rising again (to walk in a new way of life). “That’s what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father…” Romans 6:3-5
- We’re symbolically washed clean, and your sins were cleansed and forgiven because of Christ death on the cross, providing our inner cleansing at salvation. John the Baptist said: “I’m baptizing you here in the river. The main character (Jesus) in this drama, …, will ignite the kingdom life, a fire, the Holy Spirit within you, changing you from the inside out. He’s going to clean house- make a clean sweep of your lives. He’ll place everything true in its proper place before God; everything false he’ll put out with the trash to be burned.” (Luke 3: 16-17)
- Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God and His authority in your life. We immerse at Discovery Church because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in Him. “After all the people were baptized, Jesus was baptized. As he was praying, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, like a dove descending, came down on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “You are my Son, chosen and marked by my love, pride of my life.” (Luke 3:21-22) By faith we know that our baptism experience pleases the heart of God, which He provided to deepen our walk with Him.
Baptism could be needful for you, if:
- You have experienced his salvation recently and want to celebrate this with others
- You have been baptized in the past- but have recently come back to Christ and desiring to re-connect with Him in a new way
- You recognize what Christ has done for you, and ready to become a follower of Christ
If at this stage you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact Pastor Kirk at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or your campus pastor. Please contact your campus pastor with their contact listed below as well. Also ask for a document called “What is the New Birth” at the What’s Next area or Guest Services table in the lobby at Orange Avenue or Connection area at other campuses.
What about Infant Baptizing or Christening
Some denominations choose to christen or baptize infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer, rather it shows that you already have believed.
Baptism Process and next steps:
The baptism process at Discovery has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. From the registration form to the baptism services, each step has been carefully planned with you in mind. Here are some suggested next steps for you:
In His Love,
Kirk Bane
Pastor of Redemptive Relationships
407-855-3141 X120
Pastor Mike Schirle ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you attend the East Campus;
Pastor Dale Ward ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you attend SW Campus
Pastor Cole Nesmith ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you attend Status;
Pastor David Miller ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) if you attend The Element-Youth ministry
Pastor Sona Strickland ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) for our kid’s ministry
