Baptism

Go public with your faith.

The significance of baptism

Like a wedding ceremony or changing our Facebook status to “in a relationship,” baptism signals to the world that someone is with Jesus. While baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a picture and celebration of salvation. However, we don’t want to water it down (pun intended). This is a significant step of obedience (Acts 2:38).

A time of celebration!

Baptism weekends are a time of celebration! We are excited to cheer you on, but we also know that many people come alongside you in your faith journey, and we want them to be a part of your big day. So, we encourage you to invite family and friends to the party.

Sign Up for Baptism

Got Questions?

Why should I be baptized?
  • Jesus modeled baptism (Matthew 3:16-17).   
  • Jesus asks this of you (Matthew 28:18-20).   
  • An unbaptized follower of Christ was unheard of in Scripture (Acts 2:41; 8:36-38; 16:31-33). 
Why is immersion significant?

What’s the difference between baptism by immersion, sprinkling, or other methods?   

The only picture of baptism in the Bible is by complete immersion. Additionally, the original word for baptism refers to being immersed or submerged. Therefore, the only valid form of baptism is full submersion.    

  • Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).   
  • Your submersion represents the burial of the old way of life and mindset (Romans 6:3-5).   
I was christened, so should I be baptized again?

Baptism should have signified a new relationship with Jesus, and the beginning of a changed life. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life or it was not a personal decision, then we encourage being baptized again.    

Can my child or infant be baptized?

Throughout the New Testament, baptism is a public expression of faith. We understand some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. Though well-intentioned, it does not match the Biblical prescription. At Portrait, we provide the opportunity for child dedication that represents a parent’s commitment to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his/her own personal confession of Christ. Jesus’ parents actually did this when they dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22-40). And, later, Jesus was baptized by immersion as an adult (Matthew 3:16-17). To sign up for our next child dedication, fill out this form.   

At Portrait, we will baptize anyone over age 7 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Portrait Kids ministry to guide their children through these decisions of faith. Check out our Kids Baptism Guide for more information to help inform this important decision. 

What are baptism weekends like?

Baptism weekends are a time of celebration! We are excited to cheer you on, but we also know that many people come alongside you in your faith journey, and we want them to be a part of your big day. So, we encourage you to invite family and friends to the party.