What is Baptism?
At Christ Community Church, we believe baptism is an outward sign of an inward commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. Baptism is a symbolic way that we proclaim to the church and the world that we have accepted Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Baptism illustrates Christ's death and resurrection, as we go down into the water and then come up out of the water. (1 Cor. 15:3-4) It also illustrates our new life as a Christian with our sins having been washed away. (2 Cor. 5:17)
Every person who has a relationship with Jesus Christ should be baptized. (Acts 2:41; 8:31; 8:12) We baptize believers once they have reached an age where they can make a decision to proclaim their faith to this church and community on their own, apart from their parents influence. The Bible does not denote a specific age, but each person under the age of 12 must be interviewed by the senior pastor prior to being baptized to ensure that the child understands what baptism is all about.
Why Should I Be Baptized?
1) As followers of Jesus, we want to do as He did. Jesus was baptized, therefore, we should be baptized. (Mark 1:9)
2) In the Great Commission Jesus has told us to baptize new believers. In obedience to the Lord, we are baptized. (Matthew 28:19-20)
3) As a testimony to our family, our church and our community we are baptized to let others know that we have faith in the Lord. (Acts 18:8)
Does Being Baptized Make Me a Christian?
Baptism does not make you a believer. It shows that you already believe and have a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Baptism does not save you. Only your faith in Christ will do that. Baptism is a symbol much like a wedding ring - it's the outward sign of a commitment you made in your heart.
Why Do We Practice Immersion?
We baptize believers by immersing them, dunking them, in water. We use immersion because Jesus was baptized that way and because every baptism mentioned in the Bible was done by immersion. The word "baptize" means to "immerse or dip under water."
Baby Dedication
Some churches practice "baptism of confirmation" or "infant baptism". This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal commitment to Christ. We do not practice this type of baptism at CCC. However, we do offer dedication services for parents and their babies.
Where Do We Get Baptized?
Our baptisms are done in the ocean at a local beach or in a local swimming pool. Those who are being baptized wear shorts and shirts with bathing suits underneath them. Our pastor and a second member of our church's leadership team will be in the water to baptize you. Exceptions can be made to location.
Will I Have to Say Anything?
You do not have to say anything. However, our pastor may invite some of the people being baptized to share their personal testimony at a church service around the time of the baptism service.
What's my next step if I want to get baptized?
Contact our senior pastor and let him know of your desire to be baptized. He will then schedule a baptism service and let you know when it is. He will also ask to meet with you to discuss your personal testimony and your reasons for wanting to be baptized.
August 2010 at 4:00 pm, our annual beach Baptism and bonfire will occur at La Jolla Shores, There will be food, fun as we all gather as people of the CCC family. It is a great opportunity to proclaim our love for Christ, and witness those who are obedient to Him take this step of faith, please join us!
