The decision to be baptized is a significant step of faith and obedience in your relationship with the Lord. We rejoice with you and are thankful for the privilege to minister to you in this holy ordinance. The Bible provides clear instructions concerning baptism. To help you prepare, we offer the following scriptural guidance:
Who should be baptized? Every Christian believer should be baptized by full immersion (Mark 16:16).
Why are we baptized? We are baptized to obey Christ and confirm repentance (Acts 2:38). We are also baptized to identify with Christ and to relate our testimony (Colossians 2:10-13). Lastly, we are baptized to follow Christ in a covenant relationship (Romans 6:3-5).
When are we to be baptized? We should be baptized as soon as possible following our commitment to Christ (Acts 19:1-5). We should be baptized when we understand what baptism means. Parents of children must make a determination of their understanding with the help of an assisting elder or pastor. When children are too young (infant baptism), they do not understand the spiritual meaning of what we are doing. Therefore, we do not baptize infants or those too young to make a profession of faith.
Guide for Parents "How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Baptism?"
How are we baptized? We are baptized in water by full immersion, “batisima” – to dip (Acts 10:47-48). Lastly, we are baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19-20).
Take the time to read all the above scriptures and be sure that you understand them. Pray for the Holy Spirit to make your baptism a significant spiritual experience to you.