Baptisms at Bethel

Before you are baptized, you must meet with one of Bethel's pastors and share your salvation story and discuss the meaning of baptism.

Upcoming Baptisms

June 13th Indoor Baptisms during Sunday Services

Hang tight while we look up scheduled events...

Why Be Baptized?

  • To Follow Christ's Example

"At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized." by John in the Jordan - Mark 1:9

  • Christ Commanded It

"Jesus said, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you..." - Matthew 28:19-20

  • It Shows You Are A Believer

"...many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized" - Acts 18-8

  • Obeying Christ's Command Shows You Know And Love Him

"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands" - 1 John 2:3

What is the Meaning of Baptism?

  • It Is A Picture Of Our Identification With Christ's Death, Burial And Resurrection

"Christ died for our sins...He was buried..,and he rose again." - 1 Corinthians 15:3,4


"Having been buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead." - Colossians 2:12

  • It Is A Symbol Of Your New Life As A Christian

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17


"We were therefore buried with him 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." - Romans 6:4

  • Baptism Does Not Make You A Believer. It Shows That You Already Are One!

Baptism does not "save you. You are saved by God's grace through faith in Christ. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward symbol of the commitment you made in your heart. 


"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast." - Ephesians 2:8-9

How are We to be Baptized?

  • Like Jesus Was Baptized - By Being Immersed In Water

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water..." - Matthew 3:16

  • Baptism In The Bible Was By Immersion In Water

(Example) "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they cam up out of the water..." Acts 8:38,39

  • The Word "Baptize" Literally Means "To Dip Under Water"

The Greek word "baptizo" means "to immerse or dip under water" (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). 

Who Should be Baptized?

  • Every Person Who Has Made The Decision To Trust In Christ

"Those who accepted his message were baptized..." - Acts 2:41


"But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news...and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. " - Acts 8:12


The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ. We do not baptize children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

When are We to be Baptized?

  • As Soon As You Have Believed! You Shouldn't Delay

"Those who accepted..., were baptized.... that day." - Acts 2:41


"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him that good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him." - Acts 5:35-38

How Old Do I Need to Be?

A person should be old enough to explain their salvation and demonstrate a clear understanding of what baptism means. Sometimes we recommend that small children wait until they are a bit more mature.

  • What About Being Baptized Twice?

    We believe that you are to be baptized again if you have not been baptized by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects you desire to be baptized in the same way Jesus was baptize. Every Bethel member has been baptized by immersion as Jesus demonstrated and commanded us to follow. 

  • Can My Family Be Baptized Together?

    Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism and each one has personally placed their trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment.

  • Will I Have To Say Anything?

    Not unless you want to. You will be asked to affirm that you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Let the pastor know during your initial interview if you would like to share a Bible verse or story about your salvation. 

Instructions For Your Baptism

  1. Before you are baptized, you must meet with one of the Bethel's pastors and share your salvation story and discuss the meaning of baptism. 
  2. Bring a towel and a change of clothes. We encourage women to wear a swim suit with shorts and a dark colored top over the suit. Men may wear a swim suit or shorts and a plain T-shirt. You well be able to change clothes in the restroom. 
  3. The pastor will be baptizing one person at a time. 
  4. You may publicly share your story of trusting Christ or you may answer "yes" when the pastor asks if you have trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. 
  5. Don't be surprised when people clap at your baptism. It is a happy experience for every Christian when someone publicly identifies themselves as a believer by being baptized.