Pathway Community Church
Baptism Class – 6 Questions
1. What is baptism?
Baptism does not save us from our sins. We are saved from our sins when we trust Christ to forgive us of our sins (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 John 1:9). Baptism originated before Jesus as gentiles repented of their sinful ways and turned to God. John the baptist applied this to Jews who also needed to repent. Matthew 3:11 “I baptize with water for repentance.”
“Being baptized by John demonstrated a recognition of one’s sin, a desire for spiritual cleansing, and a commitment to follow God’s law in anticipation of the Messiah’s arrival.” (gotquestions.org)
Now baptism symbolizes the new life we have as Christ-followers (2 Corinthians 5:17). A person’s old life has been buried (under the water) and he/she has been raised to new life (coming out of the water).
2. Who can be baptized at Pathway?
Pathway practices a believer’s baptism (Matthew 28:19-20). This means that we baptize only Christians—individuals who have intellectually, emotionally, and willfully committed to follow Christ.
Depending on your circumstances, we do baptize teens and adults who were baptized as infants. We ask teens and adults to discuss this issue with one of your church leaders.
While spouses and parents and their children may be baptized together, we encourage people to make individual decisions. Baptism is a personal decision and an act of obedience to the Lord first and foremost.
A person does not need to be “perfect” in order to be baptized. All that is necessary is for you to have a personal relationship with God through Jesus. We require candidates to complete a class (one lesson).
3. Why should Christians be baptized?
Baptism is one of the most important steps in a Christian’s spiritual journey. Christians should be baptized for three reasons: (1) baptism is an act of obedience to God’s Word (Matthew 28:18-20); (2) we’re following Jesus’ example when we make a decision to be baptized (Matthew 3:13-17); (3) baptism is a public testimony to others that we are followers of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17; 28:19-20).
4. How does Pathway baptize Christians?
The verb “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizmo, which means “to dip, or immerse.” Pathway baptizes by full immersion. We strongly encourage Christians to be baptized publicly before our Christian community. A Christian community plays a key role (encouragement, support, accountability) in the discipleship process.
5. Who has the authority to baptize Christians at Pathway?
In addition to Pastors, Pathway allows church leaders and parents to baptize individuals. Those administering baptism should be mature Christians. Pastoral guidance is required for anyone performing a baptism.
6. Why does Pathway require a public testimony for baptism?
A testimony helps you to reflect on your spiritual journey, proclaim your faith, and encourage other Christians. Testimonies may also help others seek a relationship with Jesus.
Pathway Community Church
Name:
Cell #:
Email:
Birthday:
Church Membership (if any):
Are you a regular attender (70%+) of Pathway Community Church? Yes or No
Date for Baptism
Who would you like to baptize you?
(See question #5 from previous page)
Share about your spiritual journey of coming to know Jesus