BAPTISM
A VISIBLE PICTURE OF THE GOSPEL.
After Peter proclaimed the good news of Jesus, “those who accepted his message were baptized” (Acts 2:41). From the very beginning, baptism has been a powerful way followers of Jesus publicly declare their faith and new life in Him.
At Downtown Hope, baptism is a celebration of grace. It’s a moment that tells the story of what God has already done in someone’s heart:
+ Buried with Christ in His death.
+ Raised to walk in new life.
+ Welcomed into the family of faith.
At Downtown Hope, baptism is a celebration of grace. It’s a moment that tells the story of what God has already done in someone’s heart:
+ Buried with Christ in His death.
+ Raised to walk in new life.
+ Welcomed into the family of faith.
+ WHY WE BAPTIZE
Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19).
We baptize because it’s a joyful act of obedience, a visible way of saying, “My life belongs to Jesus.”
Baptism doesn’t save us; Jesus does. But through baptism, we proclaim His saving work to the world and celebrate it with the community of believers.
We baptize because it’s a joyful act of obedience, a visible way of saying, “My life belongs to Jesus.”
Baptism doesn’t save us; Jesus does. But through baptism, we proclaim His saving work to the world and celebrate it with the community of believers.
+ WHO SHOULD GET BAPTIZED
We practice believer’s baptism, meaning baptism follows a personal response to the gospel.
Throughout the New Testament, those who believed were baptized (Acts 2:38; Acts 16:31–33). It’s a step for anyone who has turned to Jesus in faith and wants to follow Him as Lord.
Throughout the New Testament, those who believed were baptized (Acts 2:38; Acts 16:31–33). It’s a step for anyone who has turned to Jesus in faith and wants to follow Him as Lord.
+ WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
We love seeing kids grow in faith!
When a child expresses genuine faith in Jesus, we joyfully prepare them for baptism.
For infants and young children not yet ready to make that decision, we offer Parent–Child Dedication: an opportunity for parents to commit themselves and their children to the Lord before their church family.
When a child expresses genuine faith in Jesus, we joyfully prepare them for baptism.
For infants and young children not yet ready to make that decision, we offer Parent–Child Dedication: an opportunity for parents to commit themselves and their children to the Lord before their church family.
+ UNITY AND GRACE
We know followers of Jesus come from different church traditions.
If you were baptized as an infant but now personally trust in Christ, you are welcome here.
While we encourage believers’ baptism, we also value unity around the gospel above uniformity in practice.
As Paul reminds us, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
If you were baptized as an infant but now personally trust in Christ, you are welcome here.
While we encourage believers’ baptism, we also value unity around the gospel above uniformity in practice.
As Paul reminds us, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
READY TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Baptism is a milestone moment in the life of every believer, marking a significant step in God’s story.
If you’re ready to be baptized or would like to learn more, we’d be delighted to guide you through the process.
Fill out the form below, and we will reach out shortly!
If you’re ready to be baptized or would like to learn more, we’d be delighted to guide you through the process.
Fill out the form below, and we will reach out shortly!