BAPTISM
You do not need to have it all figured out first
Baptism is not an exam you pass. It is a yes to Jesus, said out loud and with water — and a yes the rest of the church stands and watches and celebrates.
WHAT BAPTISM IS
A yes that is said out loud
You can believe quietly for years. Baptism is the day faith gets a body: you go down into the water, and you come up again. The old is laid down, and something new begins.
Jesus was baptised himself, and he asked his friends to do the same. That is why we baptise — not because it makes you a better person, but because it says something about who you belong to.
Baptism does not save you in itself. Jesus does. Baptism is the answer to what he has already done.
WHAT PEOPLE USUALLY ASK
Three things you are probably wondering about
WHO CAN BE BAPTISED?
Anyone who wants to. There is no upper age limit, and you do not need to have been going to church for years. If you are under 18, we have a quick word with your parents first.
DO I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
Only if you want to. Many say a few words about how they got here — two minutes is plenty. If you would rather not, we do it without.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
Clothes you do not mind getting wet. We have towels, and there is somewhere to change. Bring something dry to go home in.
ON THE DAY
How it works
We baptise during the Sunday service, in a pool in front of the stage. You get plenty of notice, so the people you want there can make it — family, friends, colleagues, neighbours. They do not have to be Christians to come.
The baptism itself takes a couple of minutes. You are asked whether you want to follow Jesus. You say yes. Then you are lowered under the water and lifted up again — and the room usually breaks into applause.
Afterwards there is coffee, and there is usually someone crying a little. That is completely normal.
NEXT STEP
Say the word, and we will have a chat
Write and tell us you are considering baptism. We will call or write back, and we will work it out together — also if you only have questions and are not sure at all yet.
We hold baptisms several times a year, so there is always a next one.
AFTERWARDS
You are not on your own afterwards
Baptism is a beginning, not an ending. Afterwards there is a group to be part of, a team to join, and people who know your name.