Baptism
Baptism is an important step of obedience in the life of every disciple of Jesus, marking our commitment to follow Jesus in a powerful way. If you’d like to know more about baptism or to request to be baptised, please talk to one of our pastors or contact us here.
Here is a list of some frequently asked questions about baptism.
Why should I be baptised?
As followers of Jesus Christ, we get baptised because Jesus commands us to do so (Matthew 28:19-20). Jesus also set the example by being baptised himself (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).
Baptism isn’t about being perfect or having our whole life together, it’s about a step of obedience to Jesus that shows we believe in and follow him. Being baptised is a picture of us turning away from a life of sin and turning toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).
When should I be baptised?
For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptised (Acts 8:12).
Why do we baptise by immersing people in water?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion, and Jesus was baptised by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10). Being submerged under the water represents our death to sin and the old way of life and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6: 3-5)! It’s a beautiful picture of what Jesus has done for us and a reminder of his own death and resurrection.
I was baptised as a baby, should I be baptised as an adult?
If you were baptised as a child, it means your parents had a desire to see you grow up to follow Jesus with your life. We think that’s great. Now we would invite you to take the next step of baptism by immersion and make that faith step your own personal choice.
If you have been baptised by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, there is no need to be baptised again. However, if you’ve never been baptised as an adult after personally choosing to follow Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, we invite you to take your next step of being baptised.
Do you baptise children?
As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will make their faith their own and commit their lives to him.
If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. – Romans 10:9
At RBC, our desire is that your children will express their own decision to follow Jesus and to truly understand the meaning of baptism.
If your child is interested in baptism they are welcome to take that step. As a part of the process, a pastor will meet with both the child and at least one parent to discuss baptism with them and ensure that your child is ready for this important step in their spiritual journey!
Who will baptise me?
A person is usually baptised by one of our pastors. If you have someone in your life who has made an impact on you spiritually (e.g. small group leader, youth leader, Christian mentor) and you would like them to baptise you, please discuss this with one of the pastors.
Do I have to tell my story?
Everyone being baptised is encouraged to share a short story about their faith journey and why they are being baptised. We will guide you through the process of developing and sharing this.