What is the meaning of baptism?
1.) It illustrates Christ ́s burial and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” – I Cor. 15:3-4
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” – Col. 2:12
2.) 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 Cor. 5:17
“By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… so also we may live a new life!” – Rom. 6:4
 
Baptism doesn’t make you a believer; it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring, it ́s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8,9
 
WHY BE BAPTIZED BY IMMERSION?
1.) Because Jesus was baptized that way.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” – Matt. 3:16
2.) Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) “…then both Philip and the man 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 work Baptizo means “To immerse or dip under water”.
It best symbolized a burial and resurrection!
 
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
Every person who has believed in Christ!
“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…”- Acts 2:4
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…”- Acts 8:13
“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
 
can my child be baptized?
Baptism can be an amazing experience in a child’s discipleship journey! Every child can have a personal relationship with Jesus, and we encourage them to make a decision to follow Him.
 
We advise parents to wait until their child is asking to be water baptized. This is usually a good indication that they are ready to be baptized and that it will be a spiritual milestone in their life. While younger children under the age of seven can have a relationship with Jesus, they will not necessarily remember or understand the significance of the event, so we encourage parents to wait for baptism until they are a little older.

As you discern if your child is ready to be water baptized, here are some questions to ask your child. The following answers show that your child understands:
 
1. When did you decide to follow Jesus and become His forever friend?
Your child should have a specific memory of when he or she understood
what Jesus did, and that he or she needs Jesus in their life. It may have
been at church, at home, or even sometime when they were alone.
 
2. What does it mean to be water baptized?
It means I’m following Jesus. It means I’m a Christian and I want to show
the world. It’s a picture of what Jesus has done on the inside of me.

3. Why do you want to be water baptized?
Because Jesus was baptized and he tells us to be baptized also. Because I’m a friend of Jesus and I want to follow Him.
YOUR CHILD IS NOT READY
If you don’t feel your child understands what it means to be water baptized, it’s totally appropriate to wait. During this time, let your child observe water baptism and talk to them about what it means.
 
YOUR CHILD IS READY
If you feel your child understands what it means to be water baptized, then we’d love for you to sign them up to be baptized at our next Engage service!
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
1.) As soon as you have believed.
“Those who believe…were baptized…that day!” – Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ́Look, here is water! Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now? ́ Philip said, ́If you believe with all your heart, you may. ́ The man answered, ́I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” – Acts 8:35-38
2.) There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect”, you ́ll never feel “good enough”!
 
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
You will want to wear shorts or pants and a dark top which will preserve modesty. Women may want to consider wearing a bathing suit underneath their clothes as well. Bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for your wet articles of clothing. Bring any appropriate personal items for after baptism (hair dryer, make-up, etc. We provide changing rooms.
 
HOW WILL I BE WATER BAPTIZED?
Some people get nervous about the process of Water Baptism. There is no need for this if you understand that the process is quite simple. We don’t want this to distract you from the blessing of this beautiful spiritual step in your life. The pastor will call your name at which time you can come forward and give your towel to the attendant. You will be asked to share a brief testimony (or it will be displayed via “video”) before you enter the water. After sharing your statement you will enter the water.
The person baptizing you will then ask you to hold your nose with one hand and your elbow with your other hand. When you are tipped backward, please bend your knees, this helps the person doing the baptizing. You will be submerged just enough to cover your face and then will be brought back up immediately. Those witnessing your Baptism will often clap or give praise to God after you’ve been baptized. There will be a brief time of prayer after your immersion and then you will be helped out of the water and given your towel. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
844 Hartman Rd. | Wadsworth, OH 44281
Phone: (330) 335-1594  |  email: info@myrlc.family