Baptism

In the first century the term baptism meant "identification." In fact the term was used of a clothier in ancient days. When he took a white garment and dipped it into a scarlet dye, he was said to have "baptized" the garment. Baptizo was the term used when he "changed its identity."

Baptism, as practiced here at Northwoods Community Church, is a public declaration, saying: I belong to Jesus Christ. I identify with His death for me. And by being raised from the water, I identify with a new kind of life that I could never live on my own. By His power I will be able to experience new life. I've been born again. Baptism is the outward profession of your inward decision to follow Jesus!

When we give up control of our lives to Jesus Christ, it is a personal act on our part. While baptism isn't essential for salvation, it announces publicly to everyone that we have surrendered to a new authority in our lives and are now identified as a Christ follower—we want everyone to know.

Baptisms happen at both the 9 and 11am services on Baptism Sunday. You can attend either. Bring a change of clothes with you to the service you're attending. Near the end of service, Pastor Jon will invite everyone getting baptized to the front of the auditorium and will pray with you. After that, a volunteer will take you to the Chapel where you can register, change your clothes, and get a towel. You will also receive a name tag. Then, you can head to either the auditorium or the lake to be baptized, depending on if it is indoor or outdoor baptisms. Volunteers will be available to assist you the whole way!

Bring along a change of clothes with you. We suggest wearing a dark shirt and shorts. You'll have time to change before baptisms begin. If needed, we do have clothing available.

We hold baptisms twice a year. You can see upcoming baptism dates on our calendar. Baptism is at the end of each service. At about 10 minutes before the service ends, Pastor Jon will invite those wishing to be baptized to the front of the auditorium. Awesome volunteers will guide you where to go every step of the way.

We always have carafes of water available for non-immersion needs.

Registration is recommended so that we can get a count of about how many people will be baptized and to make sure that you have the best experience possible! However, it is not required. You will be asked to provide more complete information when you are baptized in order to receive a baptism certificate.