%20(1)_edited.png)
Baptism
ABOUT BAPTISM
Baptism is an important step of obedience that shows others we have personally trusted Jesus for our salvation. Jesus was baptized when He was on the earth, and we do this to follow His example. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: you are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.
1. Why be baptized?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command. “As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:16–17 “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18–20
2. What is the significance of baptism?
Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things: You are a follower of Jesus Christ. “Those who accepted his message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41 You are beginning a changed life in Christ. “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 You are part of a new family. “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:26–27
3. I have already been baptized. Should I be baptized again?
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.
4. Can my child be baptized?
We will baptize anyone over age 7 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Watershed Community Kids ministry to guide your children through these decisions of faith.
5. Can my infant be baptized?
Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).
6. Baby dedication
We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.
Dream Team
WHAT IS THE DREAM TEAM?
All of us were created by God to make a difference in the world around us. The Dream Team is a group of incredible people that have discovered their gifts and passions, through our DNA Class, and are actively serving in them. They equip and empower each member in the body of Christ to fulfill their God given purpose by serving with excellence to make an eternal difference.
By joining Watershed Community Dream Team you will find a life filled with joy, growth, and community as you give of your time, talent, and treasure to further His kingdom!
JOIN THE DREAM TEAM
STEP ONE: WELCOME TO WATERSHED COMMUNITY
Explore the ministry of Watershed Community and find out how to connect with our family.
STEP TWO: DISCOVER YOUR DESIGN
Dive into the details of your personality, discover your gifts, and see how your design reveals your purpose in life and your best fit in ministry.
STEP THREE: DEVELOP YOUR LEADERSHIP
Find out what it means to be a leader at Watershed Community and learn how you can strengthen your character and gifting to fulfill your leadership potential.
STEP FOUR: JOIN THE TEAM
Connect to the opportunities available at Watershed Community to live out your purpose and serve others by using your God-given gifts.