One of the most meaningful steps we can take as believers is to obey the Lord in baptism. If you have accepted Christ as your Savior and are ready to be baptized, it would be an honor for us to walk alongside you as you take this step of obedience in your spiritual journey - (Acts 22:16).
At Friendship Church we believe in baptism by immersion. It symbolizes the washing away of one’s old, sinful past and the rising again to a new life in Christ. The act of baptism can be defined as an outward expression of God’s inward work - (Romans 6:4).
Baptism does not make you a Christian. It is a demonstration that you already committed your life to Christ. It is important to understand that baptism does not “save” you. You are “saved” by the grace of God through your faith in Jesus - (Ephesians 2:8-9).
To follow the example of Christ and because Christ commanded it. Water baptism identifies a person as a follower of Christ and is an opportunity to celebrate the passage of an old life into a new life in Christ - (Mark 1:9).
In the New Testament faith always preceded baptism. Since a baby is not capable of making a decision to place his/her faith in Christ, infant baptism is not practiced at Friendship Church. We do, however, recommend child dedications. A dedication is a covenant by the parents to raise their child in the ways of the Lord until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal commitment.
Since the purpose of baptism is to publicly profess your personal commitment to Christ, it is best if a child is mature enough to place his/her faith in Christ and understand the true meaning of baptism.
You can view our events page to find upcoming child dedication dates.
Throughout the year, we have baptisms during our Sunday worship services, usually on the third Sunday of each month.
Baptism is an identification with Christ’s body and this local body of believers, therefore baptisms are provided only for those associated with Friendship Church.
It is recommended that you be baptized again if you have never been baptized by immersion since you became a follower of Jesus Christ. If you were baptized as an infant, Believers Baptism doesn’t devalue your prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be obedient to God’s Word and Christ’s example.
We realize that many of our attendees come from various faith backgrounds. Our pastors would be happy to answer any questions you may have about baptism and this important step in your faith journey.