THE BAPTISM PROCESS

If you think baptism is the next step for you, take 30 minutes and listen to Andy's talk Going Public. He answers the questions we are most often asked about baptism.

  1. Email us to schedule a meeting. We want to discuss your desire to be baptized!

  2. Attend a meeting and set a date for your baptism.

  3. Get baptized! Baptisms take place during a special baptism service, outside of a normal Sunday morning, typically at the beach.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God and the decision to follow Christ. We immerse because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in him.

We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Jesus as his or her Savior. If you attend our services, you will probably see a baptism. Still, you may have questions. Why is it an act of obedience? Is it required of everyone? If I've been baptized before, do I need to do it again?

These questions and others are answered in the message Going Public by Andy Stanley.

WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?

Christians believe that the blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, provides the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Therefore, salvation occurs only when a person places his or her faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as the sufficient payment for his or her sin. If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be baptized. Just like a bride and groom show others their love for one another by wearing wedding bands, your baptism is your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with him. If you have any questions about how to begin a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please contact info@gulfchurch.org. 

WHO DOES BAPTISM SYMBOLIZE?

Baptism is a way of showing others that you have entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It symbolizes what took place in your heart at the time of salvation:

  • You accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

  • You shared in his death and resurrection, illustrated through baptism by going under the water (dead to your old life), then rising again (new life).

  • You were symbolically washed clean, and your sins were forgiven by his death on the cross.

Because Jesus instructed us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God. We immerse because we believe Scripture shows that Jesus modeled that for us as the way to publicly acknowledge our faith in him.

WHAT ABOUT INFANT CHRISTENING?

Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer; rather, it shows that you already believe.