More Information

This page will help you understand a little more about baptism in the Wesleyan Church, why we believe what we believe, and what the next steps towards getting baptized at Stroudsburg are.

Why Should I Be Baptized?

Baptism is an act of obedience.
Once a person admits that he or she is a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says the watching world needs to know. (Matthew 28:19). Baptism is an act of obedience for people who have moved from being seekers into being believers. If you are a believer, you realize that sin has separated you from God. You know that no good work can bring you salvation; but you know that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for your sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between you and God. Once you have decided to trust in Christ alone for your salvation, baptism is the next step! However, baptism doesn’t “save” you; only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring—an outward symbol of the commitment to Christ you have made in your heart. (Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48)

Baptism is a way to identify yourself with Christ.
Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. We are saying that though we are imperfect, we belong to Christ and that we are washed and redeemed by His blood. In baptism we make a stand for our faith and tell the world that Christ is our Savior. (Matthew 3:13-17)

Baptism is Rich in Symbolism.
In baptism we are identifying with the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Going under water represents Christ’s death, and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection. Baptism symbolizes a total, complete cleansing in the forgiveness of Christ. (Romans 6:1-11)

Questions to Ask Yourself as you Consider Baptism

Have I received Christ in my life? Baptism is not a decision to be taken lightly. Once you have made the decision to follow Christ, baptism is a wonderful way to tell the world! If you are not ready to receive Christ, don’t get baptized. It is better to wait and be sure so baptism has a full meaning.

Am I putting my faith and trust in Christ alone for the forgiveness of my sins? Christ is the one who forgives and saves you; baptism is not a way to earn forgiveness. It does not save you, and it does not give you salvation. Baptism simply represents salvation found only in Christ. It is an outward sign of an inward commitment.

Am I ready to be baptized? If you answered yes to the first two questions, you are ready to be baptized and can fill out a registration form now. If it’s not you, we encourage you to receive Him – make that commitment between you and God.

What do I do next? Our next baptism date is March 31 & April 1, 2012. If you are ready to take the step of being baptized, you will need to complete two steps prior to the baptism service:

• Attend a Baptism Informational Meeting
  Prior to the baptism service, we ask each participant to attend a brief orientation meeting. This meeting will be offered following the 9:00 AM service the week before the scheduled baptism. At this meeting, we will review Stroudsburg’s statement on the biblical basis for baptism and answer any questions. We will also discuss the logistics of check-in and the order of events for the baptism service.
• Complete the Baptism Registration Form
  Please fill out the registration form. If you have any questions about this process, please call 421-0750. Registrations are due a week before the baptism.