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BELIEVER RESOURCE #6

Baptism Guide

Your Public Declaration of Faith

Baptism is your opportunity to publicly declare your faith in Jesus Christ. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

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Baptism Preparation

Complete these steps before your baptism day

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Ready

Understand the meaning and symbolism of baptism

Prepare your 2-3 minute salvation testimony

Invite family and friends to witness your baptism

Schedule baptism date with your church

Bring change of clothes and towel

Baptism Stories

Believers who took the step of obedience and got baptized

Powerful public declaration

"I was nervous about getting baptized in front of people, but it was one of the most powerful moments of my life. Publicly declaring my faith was freeing and bold. I'm so glad I didn't wait."

Tyler S.

Recently Baptized

Finally understood the meaning

"I didn't fully understand why baptism mattered until I read this guide. It's not just 'getting wet'—it's a picture of death to sin and resurrection in Christ. It made my baptism so much more meaningful."

Jessica M.

New Believer

Never too late to obey

"I got saved 20 years ago but never got baptized. I thought it didn't matter. This resource showed me I was being disobedient. Getting baptized at 45 was one of the best decisions I ever made."

Chris P.

Baptized at 45

What is Baptism?

Baptism is a public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ. It's an outward expression of an inward reality—the transformation that happened when you were born again.

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

— Romans 6:4 (KJV)

The Meaning Behind Baptism

Burial

Going under the water represents being buried with Christ—your old life is dead and gone.

Resurrection

Coming up out of the water represents rising to new life in Christ—you are a new creation.

Public Declaration

Baptism is your way of telling the world: "I belong to Jesus. I'm not ashamed of Him."

⚠️ Important: Baptism Doesn't Save You

Baptism is an act of obedience, not salvation. You're saved by faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is your public response to what Jesus has already done in your heart.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God." — Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)

Step-by-Step Baptism Process

1

Schedule Your Baptism

Contact your church and express your desire to be baptized

2

Prepare Your Testimony

Share your story of how Jesus saved you

3

Baptism Day Preparation

What to bring and expect on the day

4

The Baptism Itself

What happens during the actual baptism

5

After Baptism

What comes next in your journey

Preparing Your Testimony

Most baptisms include an opportunity to share your testimony—how Jesus saved you. Here's a simple framework to help you prepare:

Life Before Christ

  • What was your life like before Jesus?
  • What were you searching for?
  • What struggles or emptiness did you feel?
  • What false beliefs did you hold?

The Moment of Salvation

  • When and where did you accept Christ?
  • What led you to that decision?
  • Who shared the gospel with you?
  • What was that moment like for you?
  • What specific Scripture touched your heart?

Life Since Christ

  • How has your life changed?
  • What does Jesus mean to you now?
  • What are you excited about in your faith?
  • How are you growing spiritually?

Finding a Church for Baptism

If you're not currently attending a church, here's what to look for when finding a place to be baptized:

What to Look For

  • Bible-believing and Bible-teaching
  • Jesus-centered worship and preaching
  • Active baptism practices
  • Welcoming and friendly congregation
  • Small groups or discipleship programs
  • Clear statement of faith
  • Opportunities to serve
  • Strong children's/youth ministry (if applicable)

⚠️Red Flags to Avoid

  • Prosperity gospel teaching (health & wealth focus)
  • No emphasis on sin, repentance, or the cross
  • Pastor lives extravagantly
  • No financial transparency
  • Cult-like control or manipulation
  • No water baptism offered
  • Jesus not central to everything

Pro Tip: Visit 2-3 churches before deciding. You want to find a place where you can grow spiritually and serve.

What Comes After Baptism?

Baptism is not the finish line—it's the starting line! Here's what comes next:

Continue Growing

Keep reading your Bible daily, praying, and learning about Jesus. Your spiritual growth is a lifelong journey.

→ Start the 30-Day Bible Reading Plan

Get Plugged In

Join a small group, Sunday school class, or Bible study. You need Christian community to grow.

→ Find a Small Group

Start Serving

God has given you gifts to serve His church. Find a place to serve and use your gifts for His glory.

→ Discover Your Spiritual Gifts

Share Your Faith

Now that you've publicly declared your faith, keep sharing it! Tell others about Jesus.

→ Learn to Share Your Faith

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Baptism is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a believer. Don't wait—obey Jesus and declare your faith publicly!

Want the Complete Baptism Guide?

This interactive page covers the essential steps for your baptism. The full resource includes 50+ pages of detailed guidance, testimony preparation worksheets, church selection criteria, and comprehensive baptism preparation.

✓ 50+ pages • ✓ Testimony worksheets • ✓ Church selection guide • ✓ Baptism preparation • ✓ Post-baptism growth