Water Baptism

What is the meaning of water baptism?

Baptism signifies your inclusion in God's family. It publicly announces to the world, "I am not ashamed to be a part of God's family." Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all in His family. He told us to "go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

Why is baptism so important?

Because it symbolizes one of God's purposes for your life: participating in the fellowship of God's eternal family. Baptism is full of meaning. Your baptism declares your faith, shares Christ's burial and resurrection, symbolizes your death to your old life, and announces your new life in Christ. It is also a celebration of your inclusion in God's family. "Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into Christ's body by one Spirit, and we have all received the same Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:13).

Do I have to be baptized to be saved?

Baptism doesn't make you a member of God's family; only faith in Christ does that. Baptism shows you are part of God's family. Like a wedding ring, it is a visible reminder of an inward commitment made in your heart. It is an act of initiation, not something you put off until you are spiritually mature. The only biblical condition is that you believe.

When should I be baptized?

As soon as possible after accepting Christ! "Those who accepted his message were baptized...that day" (Acts 2:41 NIV).

How should I be baptized?

The Bible word for baptize means immerse, douse, or saturate. In the two full descriptions of baptism found in the New Testament, individuals were immersed in water. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan River to identify Himself as God's Son: "As soon as He was baptized, [He] went up out of the water" (Matthew 3:16). The apostle Philip baptized the Ethiopian by going down into a body of water and coming up with him (Acts 8:38-39).

How old does a person have to be in order to be baptized?

Though the Bible does not state a minimum age at which a person may be baptized, an individual believer should be old enough to understand the significance of baptism.

If I am transferring my membership from another church, do I have to be rebaptized?

Persons who were baptized as believers before affiliating with Neighborhood Church do not need to be rebaptized.

What if my physical condition prevents my water baptism?

In cases where immersion is impossible due to physical limitations, an alternate and appropriate mode of baptism will be used.

When can I be baptized?

Neighborhood Church baptisms are facilitated in our worship services any Sunday other than communion Sunday (the first Sunday of each month). A maximum of two people per service may be baptized, due to time constraints. Baptisms are scheduled on a first-come basis by contacting the church office at (510) 537-4690 or by email.

What is my next step, if I want to be baptized?

If you have placed your faith in Christ alone for your salvation, but you have not yet followed the Lord in baptism, we would love to help facilitate your baptism. You can schedule your baptism by following these Steps for Baptism. Following your baptism, you will receive a certificate of baptism from Neighborhood Church.

(Note: the following is from the "Steps to Baptism" packet. You can pick one up at the information desk in the church lobby.)

1. Read the Baptism flyer provided by the C&MA. If you have any questions about the meaning of baptism, please feel free to contact the church office and talk to a pastor at (510) 537-4690.
2. Fill out the Neighborhood Church Baptismal Registration Form. Leave registration form with a church representative, or mail to Neighborhood Church, 20600 John Drive, Castro Valley, CA 94546. You will be contacted to confirm your Baptism date and time.
3. Write out your testimony on a 4x6 card. Bring the card, filled out, to your baptismal service. You will be encouraged to read your testimony. Your testimony should be 150 words at the most, and can be less. Your testimony should include these four elements:
   • Share your name as you begin
   • Share briefly about your life before Christ
   • Share briefly how you came to Christ
   • Share briefly about your life after Christ
4. Invite your friends and family to celebrate with you as you are baptized on your confirmed baptismal date!
5. Arrive at the church one half hour before the service to meet a pastor in the church lobby. Bring your written-out testimony, your bathing suit, and a joyful attitude. Towels and baptismal gowns are provided by the church.