Celebrating New Life!
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward spiritual reality. It represents that you have been buried with Christ - reject sin - and are raised to the new life that He gives and empowers. Because of this, we hold to the belief that baptism comes after one’s decision to trust and follow Jesus. (Mark 1:5,10; Acts 2:41; 8:12; 16:33-34; Rom 6:3-4)
If baptism is your next step in following Jesus, fill out the baptism registration form and a church leader will follow up with the next steps. If you have more questions about baptism, see below. Thank you!
Why should I be baptized?
First, baptism is an act of obedience. Because Jesus commanded it and we commit to follow Him, believers are baptized. Also, baptism is a public declaration of personal faith and commitment to follow Christ as Lord and Savior. It is a public celebration of your salvation, and it demonstrates to the church and the world of your profession to trust and follow Jesus. (Matt 28:18-20; Acts 2:38, 8:36-38; Rom 6:3-4; 1 Pet 3:21)
Is baptism required for salvation?
No. Baptism is an important step in obeying Jesus, but it is not required for salvation. Salvation is by God’s grace alone, through faith in Christ alone. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5)
Why immersion rather than sprinkling?
In the New Testament, the word translated as “baptism” is the Greek word, baptizo, which means “to immerse or dip in water.” Also, in the New Testament, baptism symbolizes the burial and being raised (Rom 6:4) which is best demonstrated by immersion.
Does Southland Church baptize infants?
Whereas many faith traditions and denominations baptize infants, we believe that believer’s baptism (being baptized after one’s own decision to follow Jesus) aligns best with the clearest examples and teachings in the New Testament. Therefore, we do not practice infant baptism at Southland Church. (Matt 3:16; Luke 3:21; Acts 2:36-38, 8:16, 16:29-34, 19:5; Rom 6:3-4)
Is there an age requirement to be baptized?
No, there is not an age requirement. However, a full understanding and acceptance of the Gospel is required for baptism at Southland Church. As a part of our baptism process, we have a conversation with the person who desires to be baptized to discuss and clarify the Gospel and what it means to trust and follow Jesus. For children (under 18), this conversation includes the parent/guardian.
What if I was baptized as an infant? Should I be baptized a second time?
If you were not baptized after you confessed your faith in Jesus, then yes. Since Southland holds to a practice of believers’ baptism, we ask that you be baptized as a proclamation of your personal faith in Jesus.
What is the baptism process at Southland Church?
If you are interested in taking the step of baptism, great! We are excited to walk alongside you! Our process is (1) fill out an interest form here, (2) have a conversation with a pastor/elder from Southland, and (3) be baptized during a weekend service. Generally, we celebrate baptisms on the fourth weekend of the month.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions?
Reach out to us at baptism@southlandsc.org if you have any questions and one of our leaders will reach out to you soon.