Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying his command.

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourself with Christ."
Galatians 3:27 (NIV)

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18–20 (NIV)

Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

You are a follow of Jesus Christ.
"Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."
Acts 2:41 (NIV)

You are beginning a changed life in Christ.
^"We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Romans 6:4 (NIV)

You are part of a new family.
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."
Galatians 3:26-27 (NIV)

Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying his command.
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.”
Matthew 3:16 (NIV)

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

Through the act of baptism, you create a personal memorial and monument that anchors
your faith. God provides opportunities such as baptism to demonstrate covenant with
Him, and His transformative power in your life, to the family of believers. Baptism among a family of witnesses invites others to be a part of your journey.
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We encourage you to pray, ask the Holy Spirit, and seek wise counsel with your spiritual
oversight or pastor to discern if being baptized again is appropriate for you and your faith
journey with Jesus.

We offer Water Baptism for kids! If your child(ren) ages 6-12 would like to be water baptized, please first plan to attend the Bayside Kids Water Baptism Class or reach out to our Kids department to find out more information.  

The Bible teaches us that salvation is an individual decision and is followed
by water baptism. At Bayside, we model this and believe water baptism is for
children and adults who have made that personal decision to make Jesus
Christ the Lord and Savior of their lives. We don’t baptize infants or children,
or adults for that matter, who have not yet made that choice. No one can
make the decision to be saved on someone else's behalf. This decision is
made when someone reaches the point of having a conscience before God
and is ready to receive Him. Upon choosing the gift of salvation, someone
may choose to be water baptized.
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In the Bible, we do see young children dedicated for service to the Lord.
Instead of infant baptism, Bayside offers a "Parent and Child Dedication.”
This dedication serves as an agreement with God and the church that a
family will raise their child to know God within the body of Christ.

Water baptism is an outward expression of an inward commitment to follow Jesus. It was
at Jesus' baptism that the Father affirmed His identity as the Son of God. Before Christ,
we as believers were just taking a bath; after Christ, we are cleansed in our conscience
and confident in our identity.
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It is Jesus’ sacrifice that covers your sins, not the baptismal waters. We would encourage
you to follow Jesus’ footsteps into baptism because you are a disciple of Christ,
not just a convert.