Episode 117 - What's Baptism All About?

We pause our Leader Equip series to interview Evangelism Minister Reid Overall where we discuss all things baptism in anticipation of Baptism Sunday, April 27.

For Kids 
We have a free baptism booklet designed for children ages 5-12 to help guide conversations about baptism. To receive a booklet, reach out to your Kids Ministry Team at the Welcome Desk. Use the QR code inside the booklet to let us know about any next steps your child may want to take. 

For Students 
Younger students (6th-7th grade) may still find the baptism booklet helpful. 
One-on-One Conversations: Students can schedule a meeting with their campus student minister to discuss baptism further. We also encourage parents to have open conversations with their students about baptism, offering guidance and support as they explore this important step in their faith.  

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Baptism Sunday is coming up on April 27, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you’ve been considering baptism, this is your opportunity to take a bold step in your faith journey. Baptism is a public declaration of your decision to follow Jesus, and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just have questions, we’d love to connect.

Let’s take this step together—sign up today and be part of this powerful day of transformation!
Baptism Sign Up 

Talking to Your Kids About Baptism 
Baptism Revival and the Next Generation 
NT Wright - Do I Need to Be Baptized? 

Baptism is:
· Commanded by Jesus: Baptism is a key part of making disciples, commanded by Jesus in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19).

· Repentance and Forgiveness: It symbolizes repentance and the forgiveness of sins, with a promise of receiving the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38).

· Salvation through Faith: Baptism is tied to belief and salvation, showing outward faith in Jesus (Mark 16:16).

· Union with Christ's Death and Resurrection: Through baptism, believers are symbolically buried with Christ in His death and raised to a new life, identifying with His resurrection (Romans 6:3-4, Colossians 2:12).

· New Identity in Christ: Baptism represents putting on a new identity, being clothed with Christ (Galatians 3:27).

· Spiritual Rebirth: Jesus teaches that baptism represents being born again by water and the Spirit, necessary for entering the kingdom of God (John 3:5).

· Conscience before God: It’s not just an external act but a spiritual appeal for a clear conscience through the resurrection of Jesus (1 Peter 3:21).

· Cleansing from Sin: Baptism is a symbolic washing away of sins as believers call on the name of Jesus (Acts 22:16).

· God’s Mercy and Renewal: Baptism reflects God’s mercy in regenerating and renewing believers by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5).

FAQs about Baptism

What is baptism?
Baptism is a beautiful ceremony where a person who has decided to follow Jesus Christ is immersed in water to demonstrate their faith in Him by publicly declaring Jesus Christ as their Lord and King. Baptism is the way Scripture teaches that we are united with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). Baptism was a command of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20) and Jesus himself was baptized (Luke 4:21-22). Baptism is for everyone who believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and has decided to give their lives to him.

Why does the Hills practice baptism by immersion (going under the water)?
The word “baptism” we find in Scripture comes from a Greek word “baptizo” which means “to dip or immerse.” The examples we see in the New Testament show that the people who were being baptized went down into the water (Acts 8:26-38). And going completely under the water shows that we are participating with Jesus in his death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). When we go under the water, it’s as if we are dying and being buried. When we come back up from underneath the water, it’s a sign of our resurrection and coming out of the grave as a brand new person. These are several reasons why we practice baptism by immersion at the Hills.

Should I be baptized if I was baptized as an infant?
Many people are baptized as an infant because their parents desired to dedicate them to the Lord and for his protection to be on their lives. We believe that choosing to be baptized later on in life honors that choice made on your behalf by someone else. As we read the New Testament, we see that the examples