Baptism
At Wallenpaupack Church it is our deepest desire that each person KNOW God in a life transforming way, GROW in their relationship with Jesus, and GO and make disciples. Along the journey we take in our faith, there are opportunities to make public declaration of the inward beliefs that we hold. One of the most important is baptism.
What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward devotion. When we devote ourselves to Jesus by calling him our Savior and our Lord it is a personal decision with public implications. Our lives from that point on should reflect Jesus, and baptism is the way we tell the world of our decision.
Why get baptized?
In the gospel of John, Jesus is teaching a religious leader about having a new life with God. In this he said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Baptism is a ritual we practice to show that we have been reborn with God’s Spirit in us.
When should I get baptized?
People are baptized when they understand that they are lost without God. The Apostle Peter preached a sermon once that convicted a group of 3000 people that they were sinners in need of God’s grace. When they asked Peter what they should do as a result of this emotion he said, “Repent and be baptized.” (Acts 2:38) Repentance is a turning away from your old life to engage in a new life with Jesus. If you have a deep desire to do this then you are ready to be baptized!
How does it happen?
We will gather together and you will be asked to publicly affirm your faith with the pastor and others who have gathered then we will enter the water and baptize. At Wallenpaupack Church, we baptize by immersion. This means that you enter a body of water with some of the leadership from the church and you are fully submerged under water and brought back up.
Who comes to a baptism?
Everyone!!! This is a celebration, a joyous occasion! Invite everyone you know and care about to share with them the powerful work that has been accomplished in your life through Jesus!!
I was baptized as a baby, does that count?
Yes it counts. That was part of your parents’ commitment to bring you up in the church and in the body of believers. Often times, parents treat baptism as “Heaven Insurance” for the baby and do not continue to lead their children to Jesus. If you feel like your baptism as a child was more religious formality than an act of devotion you may want to consider a rebaptism.
I was baptized in another church, does that count?
If you were participating in baptism as an outward reflection of your inward devotion then yes it counts. We recognize the baptisms received in any Christian church. You need not present a certificate-we’ll take you at your word.
Will you baptize my child?
At Wallenpaupack Church, we believe it is the parents responsibility to teach their children about Jesus so they can make the commitment to live for Him later in life. For that reason, we encourage parents to dedicate their children to the Lord. This act also reflects a commitment by the parents to stay connected with the church and faithful in learning more about who God is. As your child gets older and they begin to express an interest in being baptized, it is important to help your child understand what baptism is. We have resources that we can give you at your request to help you in this process. After explaining baptism to your child, if they are still interested we would be glad to baptize them into their faith.
What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward sign of an inward devotion. When we devote ourselves to Jesus by calling him our Savior and our Lord it is a personal decision with public implications. Our lives from that point on should reflect Jesus, and baptism is the way we tell the world of our decision.
Why get baptized?
In the gospel of John, Jesus is teaching a religious leader about having a new life with God. In this he said, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” Baptism is a ritual we practice to show that we have been reborn with God’s Spirit in us.
When should I get baptized?
People are baptized when they understand that they are lost without God. The Apostle Peter preached a sermon once that convicted a group of 3000 people that they were sinners in need of God’s grace. When they asked Peter what they should do as a result of this emotion he said, “Repent and be baptized.” (Acts 2:38) Repentance is a turning away from your old life to engage in a new life with Jesus. If you have a deep desire to do this then you are ready to be baptized!
How does it happen?
We will gather together and you will be asked to publicly affirm your faith with the pastor and others who have gathered then we will enter the water and baptize. At Wallenpaupack Church, we baptize by immersion. This means that you enter a body of water with some of the leadership from the church and you are fully submerged under water and brought back up.
Who comes to a baptism?
Everyone!!! This is a celebration, a joyous occasion! Invite everyone you know and care about to share with them the powerful work that has been accomplished in your life through Jesus!!
I was baptized as a baby, does that count?
Yes it counts. That was part of your parents’ commitment to bring you up in the church and in the body of believers. Often times, parents treat baptism as “Heaven Insurance” for the baby and do not continue to lead their children to Jesus. If you feel like your baptism as a child was more religious formality than an act of devotion you may want to consider a rebaptism.
I was baptized in another church, does that count?
If you were participating in baptism as an outward reflection of your inward devotion then yes it counts. We recognize the baptisms received in any Christian church. You need not present a certificate-we’ll take you at your word.
Will you baptize my child?
At Wallenpaupack Church, we believe it is the parents responsibility to teach their children about Jesus so they can make the commitment to live for Him later in life. For that reason, we encourage parents to dedicate their children to the Lord. This act also reflects a commitment by the parents to stay connected with the church and faithful in learning more about who God is. As your child gets older and they begin to express an interest in being baptized, it is important to help your child understand what baptism is. We have resources that we can give you at your request to help you in this process. After explaining baptism to your child, if they are still interested we would be glad to baptize them into their faith.