When:
December 13th, 2009

Where:
The Johnston YMCA
(Less than a mile from Center Stage towards NoDa on the left)
3025 N Davidson St

Baptism is an ancient ritual of identifying yourself with Jesus Christ by participating in symbolically re-enacting what Jesus did for us.  The fact that you’re reading this - thinking about being baptized - probably indicates that you’re at a significant point on your journey to know God.  For centuries, people have walked similar path and eventually come to the place where they wanted to deeply align their lives with Jesus.  Baptism was and continues to be the unique way that people express this new story they see being written into their lives.
 
So let us assure you, baptism is not something you do once you’ve gotten your life all figured out.  It’s not what a person does once they have all the answers.  Baptism isn’t about committing to live life perfectly, but it is about admitting that you no longer want to live another moment without God.  It’s about realizing that following God is the right thing to do.  And it’s about being so thankful for Jesus that you are willing to be known as someone who is committed to follow him.

And when you are baptized, you are marked as one of his own…and become part of a wonderful family of all who seek to follow him.  So, welcome to your new life - and welcome to the family!  You’ve come so far, and yet an amazing journey still awaits you.

The Baptism Packet has been prepare in order to give you more information about the baptism experience and tell you how to register.  So look it over carefully - if you have any questions, just give us a call or send us an email.  We’ll be happy to help in any way we can!





MOST OFTEN ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM

This whole thing is so new to me.  How can I be sure that I’m really ready to be baptized?

-That’s a great question.  Baptism isn’t something that anyone should feel forced into.  Each person should only do it when they’re ready.  Having said that, some people worry that they have to live completely perfect from now on.  Some even have expressed “there are some things that I need to get out of my life before I get baptized.”  It’s great when we want to bring our lives in line with Christ’s instructions, but being baptized is more about starting the journey with Jesus than having everything in your life in order.  Things start to fall into place in good time.  So relax.  Baptism is about celebrating God’s forgiveness and the new journey ahead!

Of course, if there are things in your life that you know conflict with what Jesus wants for you,and yet you have no intention of ever letting those things go,that probably indicates an unwillingness to let God guide you.  Be assured that God still loves you and will be patient with you on the journey...but you might want to think through if you’re ready to embrace following Jesus.  While we’ve all got things in our life that we struggle to turn over to God, a bold unwillingness to follow God in a known area of your life conflicts with the statement baptism makes.  Struggling to surrender is normal and to be expected.  Open defiance probably indicates you’re not quite ready to say you are following Christ.


If I was baptized as a baby or young child, should I get baptized again?

-Two questions can help you clarify this issue.  First of all, since baptism is a conscious choice on the part of the person to be baptized, did you make that decision on your own?  If not, then becoming baptized may be a good way for you to personally express your desire to follow God today. 

-Secondly, when you were baptized, did you understand what Jesus had done for you and were you sincere in your intention to give your life to him?  If not, but you would now say those things are true for you, then baptism would be a great next step. 

-The bottom line is that baptism is something that should be done after one understands and decides to follow Jesus. 


What would I say to my parents (who had me baptized as a baby) if I choose to be baptized again?

-That’s certainly something that would require prayer and careful consideration.  But our perspective is that it is an opportunity to tell anyone you like about your faith journey. 

-You might look at your story as the completion of the journey your parents desired for you when you were young...that you would truly know and follow Jesus.  So your baptism as an adult is you coming full circle to fully embrace the truths your parents hoped you would embrace when you were old enough to understand on your own.  Sure, you may not choose to do it in the same church, but it is the same Jesus you are following.

-Try to avoid focusing on anything negative about your church experience as a child or any difficulty you might have with their current church situation.  Celebrate the things you have in common and keep the focus on following Jesus with all sincerity.


 
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

1. Please come wearing the clothes in which you plan to be baptized.  Appropriate attire would be boxer swim trunks or shorts with a dark loose fitting tee shirt.  Modesty coupled with good sense is the key.

2. Please bring something to wear on your feet that you can step into after you’ve been baptized so you won’t slip on the floor as you walk to the bathroom to change.  Sandals are a great option.

3. Please bring your own towel.

4. If you have any questions not answered in this packet, give us a call at 704.644.0919