Baptism is a necessary step in your spiritual journey of faith in Christ. We hope the information we’ve included here will help clarify any questions you may have as you consider this important decision. If you have any further questions, please feel free to call us at 702-735-4004.

WHAT IS BAPTISM?

An expression of faith: Baptism does not make you a believer. It is simply an obedient response and expression of your faith and commitment to Christ. Every example we see in the Bible demonstrates that first a person comes to believe in Christ then he or she is baptized as an expression of that belief.

An identification: Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands his followers: 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...

A lifelong commitment: The Bible makes it very clear that baptism is a part of our commitment to Christ. Additional commitments when you become a Christian include:

• Realizing your need for Christ (Romans 3:23; 6:23)
• Putting your faith in Christ (John 3:16)
• Turning from your sins (Acts 2:38)
• Verbalizing your trust and commitment by confessing Christ

A symbol of your new life as a Christian:When you come to faith in Christ, an inner change takes place. Baptism is the outward symbol of the inward commitment you have made to Jesus Christ. It is the first step of obedience in your journey with Jesus and a public statement of your faith. But the waters of baptism do not save you. The Bible tells us we are saved by the mercy and grace of God.

WHY BE BAPTIZED?

The New Testament offers the following reasons to be baptized:

• To follow Christ’s example (Mark 1:9)
• To follow Christ’s commandment (Matthew 28:19)
• To demonstrate your faith (Acts 18:8)

HOW ARE WE TO BE BAPTIZED?

The New Testament gives us a clear picture of baptism:

• Jesus was baptized by being immersed in water (Matthew 3:16)
• Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water (Acts 8:38-39)
• The word “baptize” literally means “to dip or immerse under water.”
• It is the best way to illustrate a burial and resurrection

AM I READY TO BE BAPTIZED?

Baptism is for believers. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for salvation. Believers realize that their sin separates them from God and that only Christ’s death on the cross bridges the gap between them and God. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. It is your way of demonstrating the internal miracle, in an external way, to the outside world. As soon as you have decided to fully receive Christ into your life and have begun walking in a new direction, you should be baptized (Acts 8:35-38).

IS BAPTISM NECESSARY TO BECOME A MEMBER OF CENTRAL?

Yes, and this means baptism by immersion. Our heart’s desire is to simply obey the clear teaching of God’s Word. So even if you were baptized as an infant, your baptism today represents an obedience to Christ’s command for all who come to faith in him.

CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?

Yes, provided each family member understands the meaning of baptism and has placed his or her faith in Jesus Christ. Children under twelve years old are asked to attend our Starting Point for Kidz class before proceeding with baptism. Students are asked to attend Starting Point for Students. To register, or for more information on child and student baptisms, please call our Family Ministries office at 702-735-4004.

WHEN DO BAPTISMS TAKE PLACE?

We baptize every month at our First Wednesday services at the Henderson campus and occasionally on the weekends. Pre-registration is required, so if you would like to be baptized, please call 702-735-4004. Open Baptisms take place about once a month after services and occasionally at a special event like First Wednesday. To find out when the next Open Baptism takes place, call 702-735-4004.

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?

You should wear dark clothing; a tee shirt and knee length shorts. We will provide towels and a place to change out of your wet clothes. Bring a plastic bag to hold your wet clothing after you change. We suggest that you wear your baptism clothes to the service and then change into your dry clothes following your baptism.

If you have other questions regarding baptism, they can be answered by calling the church offices at 702-735-4004.