
What is Baptism?
What is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward commitment. It is a public declaration. Baptism is our identification with Jesus and our desire to follow Him. As Jesus modeled in Matt 3:13, we do this by submerging those being baptized in a pool of water and then lifting them back up again. Being submerged symbolizes how our old self has been buried with Jesus, and being raised from the water symbolizes our new life in Christ. Baptism celebrates the hope and joy of our new life in Christ!
- Baptism is a celebration – for the individual and for the community.
- Baptism is a declaration of new life and the shedding of our old life.
- Baptism is a symbolic act, but it has real spiritual significance.
At Wellspring, we baptize believers — that is, individuals that have consciously made the choice to believe in Jesus’ resurrection and have made the choice to follow him.
What do we believe about Baptism?
In the New Testament book of Romans, Paul talks about the meaning of baptism, and he relates it to the new sort of life that you are beginning:
We were..buried with [Christ] through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might not be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin– because anyone who has died has been freed from sin (Romans 6:4-7)
When a person is submerged at baptism, it represents the death and burial of her old self, the one that had not been aligned with Christ. When that person is then lifted out of the water, it is her unification with Jesus’ resurrection. It’s new life and we celebrate that new life together as a community.
Is Baptism right for me?
Baptism is an important and necessary step for believers in Jesus Christ. You may have questions before deciding whether it is your next step.
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- Why is baptism a necessary step for the Christian?
- Isn’t believing in Jesus enough?
- What if I was baptized at another church before coming to Wellspring?
- What if I was baptized or christened as an infant?
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These (and many others!) are important questions. They deserve individual attention and our pastors and elders would love talk with you one-on-one about them. Let us know below if you’d like to connect.
Adult Baptism Information
We typically have baptisms at Wellspring in the fall and spring, sometimes more often. When a baptism is coming up, we announce it through the e-newsletter and on Sunday morning. If you are interested in baptism, please contact the church office at office@wellspring.net
Baptisms happen in service on Sunday morning and take place in the baptistery on the platform in the sanctuary. The week before baptisms, we offer the Baptism Class. In that class, you’ll have the opportunity ask questions about baptism, share a little bit of your story, and meet others.
Children’s Baptism Information
We typically have baptisms at Wellspring in the fall and spring. Children in grades 1-6 are always invited to participate, but the process for them is a little bit different than for the adults.
Wellspring Kids’ Director, Jenn Olszyk, meets with children interested in baptism before the scheduled baptism. Parents are invited to join too. It is a casual, comfortable meeting designed to ask the child about his or her faith in Jesus and make sure that the child understands what baptism means.
Kids’ Baptism Details:
If your child is interested in being baptized, please print out the two documents in the list below and have your child answer the questions. Jenn will go over the documents with your child in the baptism interview.
Next Steps:
Keep your eyes out for take-home flyers announcing that baptisms are coming up! If your child is asking about baptism, you can also let us know, and we’ll personally reach out as soon as the next one is scheduled.
For questions, please contact Jenn Olszyk, Director of Wellspring Kids at the church (jenn@wellspring.net, 860-225-0661 ext. 118)