WHAT IS BAPTISM?

Baptism is one of the earliest acts of obedience following salvation (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:37-41; Acts 8:12). Baptism serves as a public declaration of a believer’s faith in Jesus, in His saving work on the cross, and in the hope of His return and the resurrection of all things at the end of time. Jesus Himself set the example by being baptized (Matt 28:19-20). The early believers in the New Testament followed that example (Acts 18:8). There are different church traditions regarding the act of baptism, so here are some of our church’s distinctives regarding baptism.

• Believer’s Baptism: In our understanding of Scripture, we believe that the baptism that Christ and His followers modeled for us was baptism that followed salvation. Therefore, we practice baptism as a proclamation of salvation, not as a means of salvation or pre-requisite for salvation.

• Baptism by Immersion: The primary meaning of the word “baptize” is “to immerse”. While there are other Christian traditions that baptize by sprinkling or pouring water over the head, in our reading of the Bible passages on Baptism, we find thst immersion seems to be what was described. Immersion also provides a profound visual for us as we are declaring our old selves dead and buried with Christ, and the new self raised into newness of life with Christ in this life and the next.

• Baptism as a One-Time Act: We believe that baptism by immersion following salvation is a one time proclamation of the believer to signify their union with Christ and His body. If you have already been baptized by immersion following salvation, you do not need to be baptized again.

• Baptism as Distinct from Infant Baptism: While infant baptism is often very meaningful, we understand it to represent something different that baptism by immersion following salvation. Though there are many different theological views held by those who practice infant baptism or christening, in our study of Scripture, we believe that believers baptism by immersion is distinct from infant baptism.

• Baptism as a Part of the Membership Process: At The Heights, we observe the ordinance of believers baptism by immersion as part of our church membership process.

HOW TO GET BAPTIZED 

If you have made the decision to be a disciple of Jesus and have not yet participated in Believer’s Baptism, and you’re ready to take that step of obedience, we are ready to make it happen! There are three easy steps every Baptism Candidate at The Heights takes as they prepare for their Baptism Sunday. 

• STEP ONE: Complete a Baptism Interest Form. This form only takes a few moments, and lets us know you are ready to meet with a Heights Minister!
• STEP TWO: Meet with a Heights Minister to discuss your salvation story, baptism, and your Discipleship plan! We want to partner with you as you take this step of obedience and learn how to best support your walk with the Lord.
• STEP THREE: After your meeting with a Heights Minister, you will recieve an email prompting you to schedule your Baptism Date. Your baptism date is not confirmed until you have scheduled it with our team!

Be aware, you cannot schedule your Baptism date without first meeting with a Heights Minister. The only way to recieve a link to register for Baptism is by meeting with a minister. Baptism services take place on the last Sunday of each month (with a few exceptions), and you must fully complete each of these three steps to be scheduled for an upcoming service. The full three step process can take a couple weeks, so please plan accordingly!