BAPTISM
Are you ready to take the next step toward baptism?
Baptism is an outward, public symbol of the inner, life-commitment you make to Jesus. God desires that all of us get baptized so that we can make a public statement that we have identified our lives with him. While baptism isn’t what changes you, it is an important step to take that can act as a catalyst for spiritual growth.
Baptism at Stone Arbor
If you are ready to get baptized then we would love to help support you on this journey! Baptism is like the beginning of a journey - the first step in our walk with God. We offer Baptisms 2-3 times a year and to help prepare you for that step we require you to attend the “Baptism Overview Class” that will take place a few weeks prior. When someone gets baptized at Stone Arbor we have them make this confession: “Jesus is my Lord and the Bible is my Guide.”
If you are ready to get baptized then we would love to help support you on this journey! Baptism is like the beginning of a journey - the first step in our walk with God. We offer Baptisms 2-3 times a year and to help prepare you for that step we require you to attend the “Baptism Overview Class” that will take place a few weeks prior. When someone gets baptized at Stone Arbor we have them make this confession: “Jesus is my Lord and the Bible is my Guide.”
Parents of Children who want to be baptized
Common Questions about Baptism
Q: What does the Bible say about baptism?
Baptism in the Bible is intended as a sign of the covenant people of God in the New Testament. It is one of the two sacraments (the other being the Lord’s Supper) that are practiced at Stone Arbor. Baptism is a picture that represents the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (Rom 6:3-4). When we are baptized we are publicly declaring our commitment to Jesus and our identification with him as our savior and lord (boss).
Q: Why should I get baptized?
Because Jesus commands it. Because that is the pattern that is set in the New Testament for believers. Because your faith is intended to be lived publicly, and making the bold statement of baptism is an important first-step in living God’s way.
Q: When should I get baptized?
After you believe! Once you have made the decision and commitment to Jesus then you can get baptized.
Q: Do you baptize children?
Our understanding is that the pattern in Scripture is that people believe and then are baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12,13). Therefore we wait to batpize individuals until they have made their own, profession of faith in Jesus and commitment to him. Because of this, we do baptize children, but only until they are able to articulate their faith adequately. We are eager to partner along with parents to help them in this process!
Q: I got baptized as an infant, should I be baptized again?
If you have put your faith in Jesus and made a life-commitment to him, then yes you should be baptized. Because our understanding from Scripture is that people believe first and then get baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12, 13), we encourage you to get baptized again now as an adult.
If you were baptized earlier in life, but have recently “re-committed” your life to Christ, then we do not suggest getting baptized again. You only need to get baptized once! The fact that God has called you back to himself is a sign that God has been at work in you and you are truly part of God’s people.