At The Journey we practice “believer’s baptism by immersion”. The following list gives a brief explanation of our doctrine and practice concerning baptism.

Why be baptized?

Because you want to follow Christ’s example. (Mark 1:9)

Because Christ commanded it. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Because it shows you are a believer. (Acts 18:8)

Because obeying Christ’s command shows you know him. (1 John 2:3)

What is the meaning of baptism?

It illustrates Christ’s burial and resurrection. (1 Cor 15:3-4, Col. 2:12)

It illustrates my new life as a Christian. (2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 6:4)

Baptism doesn’t make you a believer – it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring – it’s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart. (Ephesians 2:8, 9)

Why be baptized by immersion?

Because Jesus was baptized that way. (Matt. 3:16)

Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion. (Acts 8:38-39)

The word “baptize” means to dip under water. The Greek word “baptizo” means to immerse or dip under water and it best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!

The founders of denominations agree:

Martin Luther… “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the work imports and the mystery signifies.”

John Calvin… “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.”

John Wesley… “Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

Who should be baptized?

Every person who has believed in Christ. (Acts 2:41, Acts 8:13, Acts 8:12)

At The Journey, we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant 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 own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible, which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.

At The Journey, it is a requirement that every member must have been baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.