READY TO GET BAPTIZED

WE ARE EXCITED TO PARTNER WITH YOU
AS YOU TAKE THIS STEP

IN BAPTISM WE IDENTIFY WITH JESUS' DEATH, BURIAL, AND RESURRECTION AND PUBLICLY DECLARE OUR INTENTION TO FOLLOW HIM

SIX COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT BAPTISM

What is baptism?
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration that you shows you've decided to follow Jesus and illustrates new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian, he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passes away and a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:12

Baptism is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection in your life just as Jesus was that first Easter.
“For when you are baptized, you were buried with Christ, and baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Christ.
 “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” Mark 1:9
 
Because Christ commands it.
 "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  Matthew 28:19-20
 
It demonstrates that I really am a believer.
 “…many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” Acts 18:8
When's the best time to be baptized?
As soon as you have believed! Anyone who commits his or her life to following Jesus is ready to be baptized!
“Those who believed…were baptized…that day! Acts 2:41
Do you baptize children?
At AVFA, we wait until our Children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them.

We believe baptism is a personal choice that happens upon someone’s confession of faith and they need to be old enough to make that decision themselves. We do offer Child Dedications – an opportunity for the child’s family to make a commitment to raise this child in a godly home. For information about Child Dedications, please see Pastor Amanda- Children's Pastor

Why be baptized by immersion?
Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion.
The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water.
Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).
Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Being submerged under water represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).
Do I need to be baptized again?
If you haven’t been baptized by immersion since you decided to follow Jesus, we want to help you take your next step in doing so.
Many people have decided after re-dedicating their lives to the Lord, to be baptized again. While there is no spiritual necessity to do so, it can bring a new and refreshed commitment to following Jesus.