Jesus set the example by being baptized Himself (Mark 1:9; Matt 3:16-17), and also instructs believers to be baptized (Matt 28:18-20).

“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” —Matthew 3:16-17

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” —Matthew 28:18-20

Obeying Jesus shows we believe in Him and follow Him (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus was public about His love for us, we can be 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).

Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

You are a follower of Jesus Christ.

“Those who accepted his message were baptized.” —Acts 2:41

You are beginning a changed life in Christ.

“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.” —Romans 6:4

You are part of a new family.

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” —Galatians 3:26-27

Baptism is the next step for everyone who has decided to make Jesus the Lord of their life. Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).

Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.

Water baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism (baptizo) refers to being fully immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a new life in Him (Romans 6:3-5).

We will baptize anyone over age 7 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our kids ministry or student ministry to guide your children through these decisions of faith.

For more information to help guide your child through this important decision, check out our Children’s Baptism Guide PDF.

Throughout the New Testament, the Bible teaches that baptism is a public expression of worship symbolizing the new life we have when we follow Jesus. In the Bible we see that Jesus’ parents dedicated him to the Lord (Luke 2:22–40), and he was later baptized as an adult (Matthew 3:16–17).

We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized to publicly profess their faith in Jesus.

At Kingdom Movement we baptize someone after they personally have made a commitment to follow Jesus and are old enough to understand the meaning and significance of baptism.

How will you be baptized?

In the presence of your fellow believers, you’ll be asked if you have made a commitment to make Jesus Christ your personal Lord and Savior. After you say yes, you’ll be asked to take your hand and place it over your mouth and nose. Then, you’ll be leaned back, fully submerged underwater, then brought back up.

What do you need?

On the day of your baptism, bring a change of clothing and a towel. Remember to dress in clothing that will still be appropriate when wet (not white). We will provide a Kingdom Movement baptism t-shirt that you will wear during baptism and for you to keep. Register here.

This is a significant and meaningful step in your spiritual life. Make the necessary preparations for your body, mind, and spirit. Invite your friends, family, and unbelieving loved ones to witness your new step with Christ.