Baptism

As You Consider Baptism
We are excited and glad that you are considering being baptized. Please review the information enclosed on this sheet and visit our web site at www.asburychurch.org/baptism. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Sandy Zernickow at 942-1491. We will be happy to help you!

Getting Ready
… they came to some water and the Ethiopian said, “Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized?”… Then they went into the water and Philip baptized him. Acts 8:34-38

Baptism has always stood as a public testimony for people who have become a believer in Christ. Believers are those who have realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given-up all their own efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus’ death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.

If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. You do not have to be baptized to have Christ in your heart any more than you must exchange rings to be pronounced man and wife. But if the inner commitment to trust Christ alone for salvation has been made, then the outward symbol of Baptism should be as valued and as visible as the wedding ring on a newlywed’s finger.

Biblical Passages
• Matthew 28:19-20, Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified.
• Acts 2:41, 8:12 and 10:47-48, Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation.
• Romans 6:1-11, The apostle Paul explains how Baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism was never intended to provide salvation for an individual, but rather to publicly identify a person with Christ.

Asbury’s Statement on Baptism
Scriptural teaching on Baptism may be summarized as follows:
1. Baptism is an act of obedience to the command of Christ, fulfilled by individuals who have submitted themselves to His sovereignty.
2. Baptism symbolizes the spiritual cleansing through divine forgiveness and the newness of life experienced by believers, by virtue of their identification with Christ through His death and resurrection.
3. Baptism provides an opportunity for believers to make a formal profession of their faith before the church.
4. As a biblical rite of initiation into the body of Christ, Baptism of believers may be considered a prerequisite for joining the membership of the church.

Baptism recognizes and celebrates the redemptive life change that occurs within our church. We encourage new believers and believers that have not yet participated in baptism to do so at the next scheduled opportunity.

Asbury leadership believes that the motive of baptism is more important then the method. Therefore, as a United Methodist Christian, we practice 3 forms of baptism: sprinkling, immersion, and pouring. The mode of baptism is determined by the one who wishes to be baptized.

A Word Concerning Infant Baptism…
Asbury also observes infant or child baptism. This is a promise by the parents to raise the child in the faith until such a time as he or she commits their life to Christ and the baptism is done for the child at this time is then applied to their confession of faith.

Asbury also practices child dedication which is similar to baptism but without the use of water.

If you were baptized as a child, it was the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your Baptism as an adult can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. It in no way repudiates the Baptism you received as a child.

Baptism Service Information

• What is the process? If you are ready to be baptized, we ask that you fill out a Baptism Registration Form. You can either stop by the church office and pick up a form or, you can register at the bottom of this page.
• What to Wear: You are advised to wear a dark shirt, pants or shorts and slip off shoes. Clothing made of material that retains minimum amount of water is recommended. Please bring a change of clothing for afterward as well as a towel to dry-off. There will be an area you will be able to change into dry clothes.
• Co-Baptism: If there is a special person(s) in your life who played a significant role in helping you cross the line of faith and accept Christ as your Savior, you may want that person(s) to play a significant role in your Baptism. You may consider inviting this person to participate in your Baptism.
• Day of Baptism:
  Your Baptism will take place on stage, in the gymnasium at Asbury Central. Please arrive early so we can provide direction to you and your guest(s) on how the service will flow.
• What To Expect: When it is your turn to be baptized, you will enter from one side of the baptism pool and exit from the opposite side. You will meet the pastor in the middle of the pool. The pastor will ask you a question regarding your decision to accept Christ. For example, “Mary, have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior?” or “John, have you died to self and given your life to Christ?”

After you say, “Yes,” the pastor will say, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” The pastor will then immerse you backward into the water. This is quick; do not worry, you will not be underwater long. Afterwards, someone will direct you to a place to dry off and change your clothes.

Next Step, Join a Life Group: Building Spiritual Relationships

As a newly baptized Christ follower, it is important to connect and grow with other Christians for the aspects of growth, care, and fellowship in your spiritual journey. At Asbury Church, we believe that true growth happens best in smaller groups. We encourage you to get more information about a Life group that may help you or interest you.

For more information about Life Groups, please Contact Allison Woods at awoods@asburychurch.org or call the church office at 942-1491.