Next step 02 · Get baptized
Raised to
new life.
Baptism is an outward picture of an inward change. If you’ve said yes to Jesus, this is your next step: a public celebration of the new life He’s given you.
“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”Romans 6:4
What is baptism?
A picture of the gospel.
We believe baptism is a public proclamation of faith and new life in Jesus Christ. It’s an outward testimony of an inward transformation.
When you go under the water and come back up, you’re acting out what Jesus did for you: He died, was buried and rose again. And because of Him, your old life is gone and a new one has begun.
DownBuried with Christ. You identify with His death.
UnderThe old you is gone. You leave your old life behind.
UpRaised to new life. You celebrate His resurrection and commit to follow Him.
Why get baptized?
Why it matters.
Baptism isn’t a church tradition someone came up with. It’s woven all through the New Testament.
Jesus asked us to
Baptism is the first step of obedience for every follower of Jesus. Before He went back to heaven, He told His followers to make disciples and baptize them.
Matthew 28:19“Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Jesus did it first
Jesus never sinned, yet He chose to be baptized to set the example for us. When we’re baptized, we follow in His footsteps.
Matthew 3:16“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened.”
It goes public
Like a wedding ring shows the world you’re married, baptism shows the world you belong to Jesus. It’s your faith, out loud.
Galatians 3:27“All who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.”
The early church didn’t
In the Bible, people were baptized right after they believed, often the very same day. There’s no need to wait until you have it all together.
Acts 2:41“Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day, about 3,000 in all.”
Jesus does. You’re saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is how you show the world what He has already done in you. There’s nothing magical in the water, but there’s something powerful about obeying Jesus.
Is it time?
Are you ready?
If you can say yes to these, you’re ready to be baptized. You don’t need to know everything about the Bible, and you don’t need to be perfect.
Not there yet? Start with step 01: Know Jesus →- ✓I’ve put my faith in Jesus.I believe He died for my sins and rose again, and I’ve asked Him to be the Lord of my life.
- ✓I understand what baptism means.It’s a picture of my old life being buried and my new life in Christ beginning.
- ✓I’m ready to tell the world.I want to publicly declare that I follow Jesus.
What to expect
How it works.
We keep it simple, so you can focus on celebrating what God has done.
Baptism at Freedom
Celebrating new life.
There’s nothing quite like a baptism Sunday. Every one of these is a story of a life changed by Jesus.
FAQ
Got questions?
Still wondering? Talk with a church staff member at the end of any service, email info@freedomfamily.us or call (615) 451-6299.
Why should I be baptized?
Baptism symbolizes that your old self is gone (going under the water) and your new self has come (coming up out of the water). There’s nothing magical in the water, and it doesn’t make you a believer. It’s a declaration to the world that you’ve decided in your heart to make Jesus the Lord of your life, and it’s the first step of obedience as we follow the example Jesus set for us in Matthew 3.
When can I be baptized?
Baptisms happen regularly during a scheduled weekend service, when we pause as a church to celebrate everyone who has proclaimed their new life in Christ. The next date is always shown at the top of this page, and on our events page.
Who will baptize me?
A pastor will be in the water with you. They’ll ask if you’ve followed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then celebrate you being baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If you’d like someone special to baptize you, just ask ahead of time and we’ll work with you to make it happen.
Do you baptize children?
Yes, children who can express their own decision to trust and follow Jesus and who understand what baptism means. As parents, we have the biggest influence on what our kids understand about Jesus, but they’re the ones who decide to commit their lives to Him.
I was baptized as a baby. Should I be baptized again?
In the Bible, people were baptized after they put their faith in Jesus. If you were baptized before you personally made that decision, we’d love to celebrate your baptism as a believer.
What should I wear or bring?
After you sign up, our team will send you everything you need to know for the day, including what to wear and what to bring.
Why do you baptize by immersion?
The Greek word for baptism, baptizo, means “to dip under water.” Jesus was baptized by immersion, and so was every baptism we see in Scripture. Going under the water and coming back up is the best picture of what baptism means: being buried with Christ and raised to new life (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:4).
Does baptism save me?
No. You’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus, not by anything you do (Ephesians 2:8–9). Baptism is how you show the world what Jesus has already done in you. Haven’t taken that step yet? Start here.
Your story deserves a celebration
Take the
plunge.
Not sure if you’re ready, or have questions first? We’d love to talk with you.