Baptism at Encounter Vineyard
FOLLOWING JESUS
If you have taken the step to follow Jesus, either recently or in the past, we are thrilled for you! We truly believe this is the best decision you will ever make in your life. The life of faith usually happens one step at a time. It begins with choosing to believe in and follow Jesus and usually, the next step is something called baptism.
At Encounter Vineyard, we believe baptism is a great next step because it’s a way to make your faith public. It is something that Jesus asks His followers to do, and is an example He set for us from the start. So, the invitation stands and we hope you will take this next step of faith, knowing we are right there with you, cheering you along the way.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision. It’s a way to show others that you have decided to follow Jesus. The way we observe baptism at Encounter Vineyard is called immersion, and it simply means that you are lowered into the water and then raised back up out of the water. Being lowered into the water is a way to identify with the death of Jesus, and coming back out of the water symbolizes the new life that you have through Jesus.
Colossians 2:12 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptised. And with Him, you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.”
WHY SHOULD I BE BAPTISED?
If you have taken the step to place your faith in Christ—that is, you agree that your sin separates you from God, you believe that God’s grace embodied in Jesus’ death and resurrection provides you with forgiveness, and you choose to follow God as the guide of your life—then you are a believer. Baptism is a way to make your faith public. It’s something that Jesus tells His followers to do, and is an example he set for us.
IF YOUR CHILD YOUNGER THAN 18
We believe baptism is a significant decision, so there is one more step we want you to take before baptism. For those that are younger, our Youth Pastor and Pastor will spend time with those wanting to be baptised, as well as following up with conversations with parents if they wish that to happen.
WHAT IF I MESS UP AFTER I’M BAPTISED?
We all mess up. It’s why we say, “Everyone’s welcome, nobody’s perfect, everyone’s significant and anything’s possible.” God knew we were going to mess up, even though we know Him and want to follow Him. It’s part of being human. The Bible tells us that God’s grace is sufficient for us—which means it never runs out. He is always ready to forgive and welcome us in. While we still must learn from the consequences of our choices, we can rest easy knowing that nothing we do, no mistake we make, will ever change how much He loves us. That love and grace motivate us to continue being transformed to become more and more like Jesus.
