1. Why Should I Be Baptized?

A. To follow the example set by Christ. "At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river" (Mark 1:9).

B. Because Christ commanded it.
"Jesus said, 'Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything that I have commanded you'"(Matthew 28:19-20).

C. It demonstrates that I really am a Believer.
"We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands," (I John 2:3).

2. What Is The Meaning Of Baptism?

A. It illustrates Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
"Christ died for our sins. . . He was buried... .and He rose again" (I Corinthians 15:3-4). "For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ". (Colossians 2:12)

B. It illustrates my new life as a Christian.
"When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!" (II Corinthians 5:17). "By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead... so that we may live a new life!" (Romans 6:4).

C. Baptism doesn't make you a Christian
Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring - it's the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart (see Ephesians 2:8-9).

3. Why Be Baptized By Immersion?

A. Because Jesus was baptized that way. "As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16)

B. Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. For example "...then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water... (Acts 8:38-39).

C. The word "baptize" means "to dip under water."

D. It best symbolized a burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:1-11).

E. The founders of the major denominations agree:

• Martin Luther (founder of Lutheran denomination): "I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies."

• John Calvin (founder of Presbyterian denomination): "The word "baptize" signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church."

• John Wesley (founder of Methodist and Wesleyan denomination): "Buried with Him" alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."

4. Who Should Be Baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ should be baptized. A Believer is someone who has realized that his sin separated him from God. He has given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. He has concluded that Jesus Christ's death on the cross for his sin is the only thing that can bridge the gap between him and God. A Believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. (Acts 2:41; 8:12-13)

What About Children?
The New Testament shows no example of baptism when the candidate did not request it. All instances of baptism followed an individual's decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48). At Westside Family Church, we wait until the child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we gladly baptize them in the Christian faith.

Some churches practice a "baptism of confirmation" for children. This custom began in the 4th or 5th century AD. This is a time when the parent pledges their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this is not Christian baptism. Westside Family Church offers a similar opportunity for parents through its infant dedication services.

As the purpose of baptism is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ, it is strongly recommended that every Christian person be baptized as an adult Believer, even though many of us were 'confirmed" as children.

5. What About Infant Baptism?
In the Bible, we find parents bringing children to Jesus. He held them and prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. So it seems more biblical to wait until after a personal decision to trust Christ has been made by the child. If baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism.
If you have not experienced believer's baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ. I am convinced that you will feel the “smile” of your Heavenly Father upon your obedience, just like he did with Jesus on his day of baptism when He spoke from Heaven saying:
“And after being baptized, Jesus went up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon Him, and behold, a voice out of the heavens, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.’” Matthew 3:16-17

6. When Should I Be Baptized?
As soon as you have believed.
"Those who believed were baptized that day!" (Acts 2:41).
"Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, 'Look, here is water! why shouldn't I be baptized right now?' Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.' The man answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.' So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him"' (Acts 8:35-38).
Does This Mean It Has To Be Immediately?
No, what the Bible is trying to teach is that baptism should follow your decision to become a Believer. There is no reason to delay. It you wait until you are "good" enough, you will never feel ready for baptism.

7. When Does Westside have Baptismal Services?
Westside’s baptismal services are scheduled throughout the year. However, we do have two outdoor services in the summer months. Check your church calendar or our web page for exact dates. If there is a special need for a private baptism service, please contact Pastor Jim.

8. What Do l Wear?
Dress in clothes you don't mind getting wet! You should wear dark colored, heavy fabric clothing. Feel free to wear either shorts or jeans. You will be using one of the 4 restrooms for a changing area when we are at the church. You will also want to bring a towel, though some should be available through the church. Remember to bring a change of clothes to wear home. Arrive about 20 minutes before the service is scheduled to begin in order to receive any last-minute orientation.

9. How Do I Register?

A. To register for our next baptism service, call the membership office at (913)744-4224.

B. Part of the registration process involves writing a paragraph or two describing how and when you decided to trust Christ for your salvation (in other words, your personal testimony). We feel this is helpful for you to recognize the difference Christ has made in your life. That testimony should be sent to jheaton@westsidefamilychurch.com or faxed to (913)422-8730. Baptism is the public profession of your faith in Christ. During the service, we may read excerpts of your testimony. These testimonies play a significant and meaningful role in the service. Believers are encouraged and seekers are challenged by the spiritual journey of others.

If you have any questions that are not answered above or if would like to talk to the Pastor, call Pastor Jim at (913)422-8257.