WHAT IS BAPTISM?
The Evangelical Covenant Church celebrates baptism as a sacred sacrament for people of all ages; whether adults, youth, children, and infants. In addition, we also offer the option of child dedication in place of infant baptism. This guide is designed to help you, or your child, prepare for this sacred moment in your spiritual journey. For parents, we value our partnership with you and trust you to decide when your child is ready for baptism. We encourage you to teach and prepare them well for this significant step. But what exactly is baptism?
Baptism is the sacred use of water, as commanded by Jesus Christ, that signifies God's cleansing of our sins and our welcome into the family of God. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus says, "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 surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
While immersion (being fully submerged underwater) is often preferred, the Greek word baptizo can also include various methods, such as dipping, pouring, or washing. These methods are also valid, especially for infants or individuals who may have concerns about immersion. Since baptism is not the means of salvation—salvation comes by faith—and the water itself does not cleanse us from sin (God cleanses us through faith), the method of baptism is less significant than the meaning behind it.
We often describe baptism as a visible sign of God's invisible grace. It’s not just about the act of being baptized; it’s a proclamation of what God has done and is doing in you. What do these signs point to?
Baptism is a sign that God has cleansed you of your sin. Acts 22:16 says, "And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name." Sin refers to any thought, word, or action that go against God's will. The water in baptism doesn’t wash away sin—God does that when you put your faith in Jesus. The water simply represents that washing.
Baptism is a sign of your faith in Jesus and that you are His follower. Romans 6:4 says, "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." Baptism symbolizes Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. Going under the water represents Christ’s burial and the death of your sin. Rising out of the water symbolizes Jesus' resurrection and your new life in Him. Have you put your faith in Jesus as your Savior? If so, baptism is your natural next step!
Baptism is a sign that you are a child of God and part of His family—the Church. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says, "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink." Baptism shows that we are united by the same Spirit into one family, the Church. Do you see yourself as a child of God and part of His family?
Baptism is a profound moment in your faith journey, an outward sign of God's work in your life. Whether you are preparing for your own baptism or your child’s, this sacred act is a declaration of faith, a celebration of God’s grace, and a symbol of belonging to the family of God.
BIBLICAL STORIES OF BAPTISM
As you prepare for your baptism, we encourage you (or your children) to explore the following biblical passages to gain a deeper understanding of what baptism represents and how it was practiced in biblical times. After reading each passage, take time to reflect on the questions provided.
Read Mark 1:4-5. Why was John baptizing people? What does it mean to repent? John the Baptist was calling people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River. This location carries deep significance because 1,400 years earlier it was the very river the Hebrew people crossed under Joshua’s leadership to enter the Promised Land. In doing so, they left the wilderness behind, marking a new beginning as God's chosen people. However, throughout history, the Israelites frequently rebelled against God, turning away from Him. John's baptism symbolized a call to return to God (repentance) and to be forgiven. Entering the Jordan again through baptism symbolized a fresh start, recommitting to trust and follow God. When John baptized Jesus, the heavens opened, and God’s voice affirmed Jesus as His Son. This signified that Jesus was the one who would lead God's people back to Him as the promised Messiah.
Read Matthew 3:13-17. Why did John try to prevent Jesus from being baptized? Why do you think Jesus insisted on being baptized? John initially hesitated to baptize Jesus, knowing that Jesus had no sin to repent of. However, Jesus insisted, explaining that it was necessary to "fulfill all righteousness." By being baptized, Jesus identified with humanity’s need for repentance, modeling submission to God's will. His baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry, demonstrating His obedience as the Son of God and His commitment to live fully devoted to God’s mission.
Read Acts 16:25-33. When the jailer asked how he could be saved, what did Paul and Silas say? What was the role of baptism in this story? In this passage, Paul and Silas, imprisoned for their faith, responded to the jailer’s desperate question, “What must I do to be saved?” by telling him, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.” That same night, the jailer and his entire household were baptized. Baptism in this context symbolized their new faith in Jesus and the transformation of their lives as they embraced salvation.
Some other passages you may want to check out about some images of baptism: Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 3:18-22, 1 Corinthians 1:13, and Colossians 2:9-12. These passages reveal how baptism has always been a powerful symbol of repentance, renewal, and commitment to God’s work. As you reflect on these stories, consider how baptism will mark your own faith journey and your response to God’s call in your life.
WHAT ABOUT INFANT BAPTISMS & DEDICATIONS?
In the Covenant Church, we practice both infant and believer baptisms. For centuries, sincere Christians have held differing views on infant baptism. Rather than letting these differences divide us, we focus on what unites us. As Covenanters, we give each other the freedom to choose and encourage parents to prayerfully discern whether they would prefer to baptize or dedicate their child before the church community. Our study of Scripture leads us to understand that baptism is not solely about publicly proclaiming our faith in Jesus Christ (emphasizing what we are doing). Rather, baptism is all about what God has done for us and continues to do in us.
OBSERVATIONS REGARDING BAPTISM
First, in the New Testament, baptism for adults followed their personal faith in Jesus. However, in households where everyone, including infants, was baptized together (Acts 16:15, 33; 1 Corinthians 1:16; possibly Acts 10:47-48), the infants would have been baptized before their personal faith developed. This understanding parallels how circumcision in the Old Testament served as a sign of belonging to God’s people, occurring when an infant was just eight days old (Colossians 2:11-12). Baptism in the New Testament, then, serves as a new mark of belonging among God’s people. It's important to note that partaking in baptism does not save you. Rather, it is a symbol of the saving work God has already done or will do through faith in Jesus. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not through any outward act or ritual (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Second, for adults in the New Testament, baptism naturally points back to the moment they placed their trust in Jesus and received God's grace through faith. For infants baptized in those New Testament households, the baptism pointed forward to the time when they would personally trust in Jesus and experience God's grace by faith. In both cases, we must continue to view baptism through our understanding of a sacrament, a visible sign of God's grace, not the means by which salvation is received. Faith in Jesus is what brings salvation, and baptism serves as a visible declaration of that inward transformation.
CHILD DEDICATION
In addition to baptism, we also fully embrace the practice of child dedication for those who would desire their child to chose baptism for themselves. The practice of dedicating a child is deeply rooted in biblical traditions that celebrate the blessing of birth and life. One of the most significant examples is found in 1 Samuel 1:27-28, where Hannah, in gratitude for the gift of her son Samuel, dedicates him to the Lord. She says, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” This act of dedication was Hannah's way of recognizing that her child was a gift from God, and she committed to raising him in faith and service to the Lord.
In the same way, when parents choose to dedicate their child today, they are acknowledging God's blessing in their lives and making a commitment to raise their child in a loving, Christian home. A child dedication service proclaims God’s saving work in Christ for all, including children, and reflects the parents' hope and prayer that their child will one day make a personal commitment to follow Jesus. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel, modern dedications are a response of thankfulness and a commitment to nurture the child in faith.
The primary difference between infant baptism and infant dedication lies in the emphasis. In infant baptism, the focus is on what God has already graciously done through Jesus Christ, acknowledging that one day the child will need to personally choose Jesus. In infant dedication, the emphasis is on the parents' pledge to raise their child in a loving Christian environment, with the hope that the child will one day hear the Gospel, repent, believe, and be baptized. But expressed in both is an embrace of Jesus’ teaching in Mark 10:14-15 when he says, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
WHAT ABOUT RE-BAPTISM?
If you have already been baptized “in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (whether as an infant or later in life), then we affirm that this baptism was a recognition of God's grace on your life and that you are welcomed into God’s family. Baptism is not dependent on our actions or even on a full understanding at the time, but on God’s saving work in Jesus Christ. Whether you embraced faith in Christ before or after your baptism, we celebrate God’s faithfulness in drawing you to Himself. Since it is God’s grace (and not the act of baptism itself) that saves us, we do not see the need for a person to be baptized again.
However, we understand that some may feel a strong desire to be baptized again as an expression of renewed commitment to God. In such cases, we encourage you to first consider reflecting on the significance of your original baptism and celebrate God’s ongoing work in your life through a reaffirmation of baptism service. This special service provides an opportunity to publicly reaffirm your faith and commitment to Christ in meaningful ways. Through personal testimony, prayer, anointing with oil, and other symbolic acts, you can express your renewed faith while honoring the spiritual journey that began at your original baptism.
That said, we recognize that the spiritual journey is deeply personal. If, after prayerful consideration, you still feel led to be baptized again, we are here to walk with you and your decision. Our goal is to support you in your faith and help you respond to God’s leading in a way that reflects your heart for Him.
READY FOR THIS NEXT STEP?
If you or your child are ready to be baptized or dedicated or affirm your baptism, simply fill out the online form linked below. If you're not quite ready yet, that’s perfectly okay! Especially for baptism, this is a sacred experience and we believe it’s important not to rush the process. At Prairieview, we encourage you to continue exploring your faith and having meaningful conversations until the time feels right. If you’d like further guidance or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Pastor Mike for support.