After we have chosen to follow Jesus Christ, and surrender our lives to his Lordship, the next step in our faith journey is to be water baptized.
What is water baptism?
Water baptism is the visible sign of the life commitment we make to Jesus, just as a wedding ceremony would be to a marriage. Baptism involves a process of prayer and immersion into water. It was a common practice in ancient Judaism. Jesus himself was baptized to represent his commitment to God the Father.
Today baptism symbolizes the washing away of our sins, and the turning away from wrong thinking, wrong attitudes, and wrong actions towards a life-style honoring to God. The apostle Paul also mentions, in Romans 6:1-4, just as Jesus was buried and resurrected from the dead, so baptism symbolizes that we too have died to our old way of life and have been raised to a new life in him.
Why do we still baptize people today?
Jesus instructed his followers/disciples to baptize others who come to believe in him. He says, “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. After a person has become a follower of Jesus, baptism becomes a public statement to the world, and to the community of believers, that that person has committed their life to following Jesus.
Who may be baptized?
If you are ten years or older, and you’ve decided to trust in Jesus Christ for your salvation, then you may be baptized at Petra. The reason we ask children to be ten years or older is so that they fully understand the commitment they are making to the Lord.
How can I be baptized at Petra?
Water baptism generally takes place three times a year, two at the church on Sunday mornings, and our summer baptism is an outdoor venue on Sunday evening in July.
Participants need to do the following:
- Register – online registration opens 6 weeks prior to the event.
- Complete the application
- Participate in an instructional classes (see dates below).
Upcoming Water Baptism Dates:
- March 16, 2025
- July 20, 2025 (evening baptism at New Holland Pool)
- November 9, 2025
Our March and November baptisms take place during both Sunday morning services.
Our July baptism takes place in the evening at New Holland Community Pool.
Baptism classes are held at Petra Church the two Sundays prior to Baptism Sunday - one class will be held from 9 -10:15 am and the following Sunday's class will be held from 11 am-12:15 pm. Participants should attend one class of their choice.
