Baptism

Baptism is going public about your faith in Jesus and communicating to the world your heartfelt commitment to following Him. It's the next step after choosing to follow after Jesus. When Christians are baptized, they are submerged under water to identify with the death and burial of Jesus and raised out of the water to identify with His resurrection. We believe that water baptism is a public declaration of three important things: You are a follower of Jesus Christ, you are beginning a changed life in Christ, and you are part of a new family.

Has the time come for you to tell the world you're following after Jesus through your step of baptism? Would you like to learn more about baptism and determine if it's your next step? Let us know you would like more information and to connect with a pastor using the button below.

1. What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation; a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and it allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!

2. Why should I be baptized?

Why does baptism matter? Jesus instructed us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).

3. Who should be baptized?

At TMH we are convicted that believer’s baptism is the best expression. In other words, baptism must be requested by the person being baptized as opposed to decided by the parents or someone else in the congregation. Who is old enough for baptism? We prefer conversation rather than a blanket policy for all cases. Generally speaking, someone would need to be in junior high or older to be a candidate for baptism. Those who are younger will be encourage to wait and continue to learn and grow within the church community. We passionately believe God is at work in the lives of children and we also believe that it’s critical to comprehend Jesus’ call of discipleship before choosing to follow Him (Luke 14:28-33)

4. Do I need to be baptized again?

If you haven’t been baptized since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step of being baptized. Once you’ve taken that step, there’s no need to be baptized again.

God never asks us to take a next step that isn’t good for us. He always gives us more than we deserve or can imagine, including the joy we receive from listening to Him and doing what He says.

5. What is the process of being baptized at TMH?

Those interested in baptism are asked to attend a two-part class. In these classes, we’ll learn more about baptism and talk through your own faith journey bringing you to baptism. In addition to the classes, you’ll also be asked to work through a set of reflection questions and connect with a TMH Staff Person. A parent/guardian is asked to attend these classes with their child/youth interested in baptism. Visit the events page for upcoming class dates.