Jesus was baptized as a sign that He was entering into a new stage of His life in public ministry:

“…Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.  As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove.”  Mark 1:9-10

After He was raised from he dead, Jesus told us to baptize people all over the world who believe in Him as a sign that they are His followers:

“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 28:19-20

The apostles baptized people when they came to faith in Christ:

“Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand people were added to their number that day.”  Acts 2:41

You don’t have to be baptized in order to be saved.  We are saved by faith, not baptism:

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith…not by works, so that no one can boast.”  Ephesians 2:8-9

Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality:

“He saved us by the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit…”  Titus 3:5

Baptism shows that we have been given a new life, just like Jesus was raised from the dead:

“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in other that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…we too may live a new life.”  Romans 6:4

What is Baptism?

Your decision to be baptized may be one of the most important you will make as a follower of Jesus Christ. Thank you for allowing us to share it with you. We believe that baptism is not for the purpose of joining the local church, but to express your decision to follow Jesus Christ.

Three truths are expressed in your baptism experience

• It is an outward expression of an inward reality. You know that there has been a change in your heart and life. Jesus called it being “born again” in John 3:3. The water signifies what has happened to our hearts - a complete washing and cleansing from the guilt and grip of sin on our lives.

• It is also a statement of identification with Jesus Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. In baptism, we illustrate that we have died to our old, self-centered ways, are buried (in the water), and are raised (out of the water) to a new life in Christ. Romans 6:4

• It is a public confession of the Lordship of Christ in our lives. He is our leader from this point on! We are expressing our desire to follow Him and His ways through the power of God’s Spirit, who lives in us. John 16:7, 13-14.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How should I be baptized?

A: Churches answer this question differently. At Vineyard Northwest, we baptize by immersion. Although we view other ways of baptism as a valid expression of life in Christ, the term “baptism” literally means to immerse. This method very clearly expresses the concept of dying to my old life and being raised with Christ to a new life.

Q: When should I be baptized?

A: When you have personally trusted Christ for salvation and have a clear understanding of the meaning of baptism. In the Bible, people we baptized very soon after opening their hearts to Jesus.

Q: Should I be baptized again if I was already baptized at another church?

A: As long as you were a believer when you were baptized, and the other church believed in being saved from our sin through faith in Christ alone, then you have no need to be baptized again. If, however, you were baptized only as a ritual before you really came to know Christ, then baptism would be a good step.

Q: What if I was baptized as an infant?

A: Among Christians there are different perspectives and traditions on baptism. Some see baptism as a covenant of faith and promise that believing parents make with God FOR their child. This view is held among many good churches. If your parents had you baptized as an infant and reared you to love and follow Christ, then you should be very thankful! Whether or not you are baptized by immersion as an adult is between you and God. You could be baptized as an adult expression of your faith without dishonoring your parents or their faith. However, if you were baptized as an infant simply as a ritual, and you have now come to faith in Christ, then you should consider being baptized as an expression of your new faith in Christ.

Q: Can my children be baptized?

A: Absolutely, as long as they are old enough to fully understand what they are doing. At Vineyard Northwest we wait until the children are old enough to make an intelligent decision of their own. We certainly believe that children can become true believers at an early age, but the older a child is when baptized, the more fully they will understand it and the more meaningful the experience will be for them. This is individual to each child. Remember, they do not need to be baptized to be true Christians.

At Vineyard Northwest we dedicate infants and young children by anointing them with a drop of oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and praying for them in a public service. This gives the parents an opportunity to commit their children to God and themselves to rear their children for Christ.