Baptism
We praise God for your desire to take this step of faith and are thrilled for you!
Your decision to turn from sin and trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour is the most important decision you will ever make. Following your personal commitment to submit your life to the Lordship of Christ, an important next step in your spiritual journey is to be obedient in believer’s baptism. This will be a very special moment in your life, and your faith family, Central Community Church, looks forward to celebrating with you at your Baptism.
If you are committed to the mission, vision, values and beliefs of Central Community Church, specifically, to follow Jesus and lead others to do the same in the context of community, and now desire to be received as a Ministry Partner, we are excited to connect with you.
Please sign up for our next class below, and fill out the online Baptism & Ministry Partnership application form.
Upcoming BAPTISM & Ministry Partnership Class
Saturday, February 8, 2025 | 9.00am | Chilliwack Campus
Upcoming BAPTISMS
Sunday, December 8 | Chilliwack & Agassiz
Sunday, December 15 | Promontory & Harrison
BAPTISM & Ministry PARTNERSHIP APPLICATION FORM
These forms have been prepared to outline for you the steps you need to take to apply and prepare for your ministry partnership. If you need assistance in understanding and filling out this form, please contact us and we would be happy to walk through it with you.
Please note: This form is not required to be submitted until after you have attended the class and are looking to proceed with Baptism & Ministry Partnership.
WHAT IS BAPTISM?
Baptism identifies a Christian with Jesus (Acts 10:48; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:27), the universal church (1 Corinthians 12:13), and the local church (Acts 2:41).
Baptism is the Christian act of immersing a believer under water and then bringing them forth out of the water. It is a practical representation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, as the person is plunged beneath the waters and brought forth in the same way that Jesus was buried in the earth and resurrected on their behalf in the forgiveness of their sins (Romans 6:1-10; Colossians 2:12).
Baptism is a public sign that a person has repented of sins, received forgiveness of sins, died with Christ to sin, been raised to newness of life and received the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is a sign of the believer's incorporation into the body of Christ as expressed in the local church (Galatians 3:26-28). Baptism is also a pledge to serve Christ.
WHO SHOULD BE BAPTIZED?
The short answer is that the Bible says that every person who believes in Jesus should be baptized (Acts 2:41).
The longer answer describes what belief in Jesus and belonging with Jesus in baptism means. A believer is someone who has realized that their sin has separated them from God. They have given up all personal 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 themselves and God. A believer is someone who trusts in God alone for salvation. If you have come to that point in your life, then you should be baptized (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13).
Christians who have repented of sin should be baptized. Every baptism in the New Testament is preceded by repentance of sin and faith in Jesus (Acts 2:38-41; 2:41; 8:12; 9:18-19; 10:44-48; 16:14-15, et al) and therefore only Christians who have repented of sin and have trusted Jesus should be baptized. Baptism is reserved solely for people who have put on Christ (Galatians 3:27). Baptism represents Jesus' burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-10; Colossians 2:12) and therefore only those who have trusted in Jesus' death and resurrection for their sin should be baptized.
WHEN SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED?
As soon as you can after you become a believer (Acts 2:41; 8:35-38). Though it does not have to occur the moment you believe, the Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After accepting Jesus as the Lord and Saviour of your life, you should participate in the next available opportunity the church provides for baptism.
If you "tarry till your better you will never come at all" as we sing, meaning if you wait until you feel you are a "good enough" Christian, you will never feel ready for baptism. If you are a follower of Jesus but have not been baptized, take the plunge!
At Central, our desire is to have enough of a process for baptism that we ensure those we baptize are believers and understand what baptism is, while also ensuring that the process is streamlined enough that we do not hinder faithful followers of Jesus from responding in a timely way to the command to be baptized.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO BE BAPTIZED?
We strive to streamline the Baptism & Ministry Partnership process at Central in such a way that we do not get in the way of what the Holy Spirit is doing in your life in giving you a desire to take these foundational steps of faith. At the same time it is our responsibility to do our due diligence to ensure that those that we embrace into Ministry Partnership at Central understand and believe the gospel and what these steps signify.
Therefore, the steps towards Baptism & Ministry Partnership are as follows (not always in this order):
- Take the Baptism / Ministry Partnership Class (register online)
- Fill out a Baptism & Ministry Partnership Form (online)
- Meet with a Pastor/Elder
- Share your Story of Faith in a video interview
- Get baptized and become a Ministry Partner at the next celebration gathering
Got questions? We'd love to answer them!
Please contact office@centralcommunity.ca