BAPTISM
Whether you’ve recently committed your life to Christ or you’ve followed Christ for years and haven’t been baptized, it’s time to go public with that decision – to tell the world that you belong to Jesus. Baptism is a great way to do that. In the Bible, Jesus’ followers were baptized to signify the fact that their old life had “died” in Christ, and they were a new creation.
We hold baptism services on Sunday mornings several times each year. Contact Pastor Mac to find out when the next one is scheduled.
Download Baptism FAQs | Video about the Significance of Baptism | Video footage of a Baptism service
Baptism FAQs
▶ What if I’m still considering it and I am undecided?
Our baptism services are recorded and posted online for all to see. Visit valleycreekchurch.com/baptism to watch video of both a baptism service and a message by Pastor Trent regarding the significance of baptism. Even if you decide the morning of the baptism service, we are fully prepared for you! We have the necessary clothing and towels for adults who spontaneously decide to be baptized.
▶ What should I bring?
Bring a towel, flip-flops, and clothing to get wet in. Dark shorts and a dark t-shirt are recommended. Clothing for baptism can be provided by request.
▶ Do I have to be a member of VCC to be baptized?
No. Baptism is open to both regular attendees and members.
▶ At what age should young people be baptized?
Because of the significance of the decision to be baptized and since it is a moment that each individual will want to cherish for the rest of their lives, we recommend young people wait until they are 10 years old (around 5th grade). Everyone under 16 years old must have their parent’s permission and complete a special Baptism Course led by members of our pastoral team prior to being baptized.
▶ Do you baptize infants?
No. Instead, we offer Baby Dedication as an opportunity for parents to make a covenant with God to raise their child in a Christ-like manner. We feel that baptism is something done only after the person has made a conscious choice to accept Jesus as their Savior. Dedications are scheduled upon request. Click here for more information on Baby Dedication.
▶ What happens if I missed my opportunity for my testimony to be recorded?
If you missed the designated time to be videotaped and were unable to schedule another time, come prepared to share a short testimony in the microphone in the baptismal just before being baptized.
▶ What is the video testimony?
Within two weeks of the baptism service, we will videotape your testimony to be played on the big screen prior to your immersion. Video testimonies allow you to clearly share your story without the worry of doing it live. In two minutes or less, you’ll answer three questions: What was your life like before Jesus? What is your life like now that you’ve decided to follow Jesus? Why did you decide to be baptized?
▶ How does the baptism service work?
When you arrive, check in with an usher or pastor. They will connect you with a member of our staff who will give you clear instructions on the baptism and the order of service. There are restrooms in the rear reserved solely for those being baptized to be used as a changing room and there will be a front row reserved for you during service. When it is your turn to be baptized, our ushers will help you into the baptismal at which point we’ll play your video testimony on the big screen. When the video ends, you will be baptized by immersion by the pastor and led out of the baptismal with the help of the ushers.
▶ What is the significance of baptism?
At Valley Creek Church, we feel that baptism is something done only after the person has made a conscious choice to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. In the Bible, Jesus’ followers were baptized to signify the fact that their old life had “died” in Christ, and they were a new creation. (In the Bible, check out Acts 2:41 on pg. 131; Acts 8:35-38 on pg. 141; and Galatians 2:20 on pg. 223.)