NEARTOWN CHURCH’S PERSPECTIVE ON
BAPTISM
Baptism is a beautiful and significant step in the life of every Christian. It’s a way to publicly declare your faith in Jesus and symbolize the transformation He brings into your life. While different Christian traditions practice baptism in various ways, at Neartown Church, we follow the example set in the Bible and encourage baptism by immersion after a personal belief in the gospel.
We know baptism can be a meaningful and emotional topic, especially for those who were baptized as infants or have family members with different traditions. Our goal is not to diminish the value of those experiences but to stay true to our understanding of Scripture as it relates to this important step of faith.
What Is Baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward reality. It symbolizes a believer’s identification with Jesus in His death, burial, and resurrection:
Going under the water represents the death of your old way of life.
Coming out of the water represents being raised to a new life in Christ.
As Paul writes in Romans 6:3-4:
"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Why Immersion?
We practice baptism by immersion because it reflects the examples we see in the Bible:
The Greek word “baptizo” means “to plunge, dip, or immerse.”
In Mark 1:5, people were baptized “in the Jordan River.”
When Jesus was baptized, He “came up out of the water” (Mark 1:10).
Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:38-39, where they went down into the water together.
Immersion vividly illustrates the gospel message, helping us better understand the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
What About Infant Baptism?
Some traditions baptize infants as a sign of their inclusion in a Christian family or as part of a covenant community. Others believe it plays a role in salvation. While we respect the heartfelt intentions behind these practices, here’s how we approach it at Neartown Church:
The Bible teaches that baptism follows personal faith. We see this in passages like Acts 2:38, where Peter says: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ.” Baptism is an act of obedience for those who have made a conscious decision to follow Jesus.
While sprinkling water on a baby can be a meaningful family tradition, it doesn’t match the biblical pattern of baptism after belief. Instead, we encourage parents to dedicate their children to God and guide them to make a personal decision to follow Christ when they’re ready.
What Does Baptism Mean for You?
Baptism doesn’t save you, but it’s a vital step of obedience and a powerful way to grow in your faith. When you’re baptized, you’re saying:
“I believe the gospel.”
“I want to follow Jesus.”
“I’m part of this church family.”
It’s normal to feel nervous about being baptized! Many people have felt the same way, but they’ve found that taking this step brought them incredible joy and a deeper sense of connection to God and the church.
What’s Next?
If you’ve never been baptized by immersion after coming to faith in Jesus, we’d love to walk with you through this next step. Here’s how:
Learn more. If you have questions about baptism, we’re here to help. Let’s talk!
Sign up for baptism. Let us know you’re interested by emailing David Walker: at David@neartownchurch.org.
Celebrate! Baptism is a time of celebration, both for you and for our church family.
Why It Matters
At Neartown Church, baptism is not just a tradition—it’s an act of obedience to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:18-20:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
When you take this step, you’re not just making a statement of faith; you’re joining us on mission, living out your faith in our city and beyond.
We can’t wait to celebrate this step with you! If you have any questions or are ready to take the plunge (literally!), let us know.