What is baptism?
Baptism is an incredible step of faith and obedience. Throughout the New Testament we are given examples of people being baptized, including Jesus!
We believe water baptism is an evidence of one’s personal faith and understanding of the truths outlined in Romans 6.
Why get baptized?
Although there are various views on how a person should be baptized – i.e. immersion or sprinkling, our doctrinal statement clearly reflects our view: “We believe that baptism by immersion is an outward sign of an inward work.” Romans 6:4 (The Message), “When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus”.
While holding to the necessity of baptism as an act of obedience (Matthew 28:18-20, underscored and reinforced by the example and practice of the apostles as we see in the Book of Acts), we must also be on guard against making baptism the means of salvation (Titus 3:4-7; see also Paul’s teaching on circumcision in Romans 2, 4, and Galatians).
How do I get baptized?
Fill out and submit the Baptism Request Form here, or pick one up at the Liferoads office. A staff person will connect with you to go over the information on the request form and answer any questions you may have.
What can I expect on my baptism day?
Please arrive a few minutes before the service begins and sit near the front. We encourage you to invite family and friends. They are welcome to come forward and surround you in prayer just before you are baptized.
A picture of you will be taken just before you are baptized. A document of this great event will be given to you as soon as possible – we suggest you keep this reminder and refer to it as you grow in Christ.
Please bring a towel and change of clothes. We do not require you to dress a certain way, but ask you wear modest trunks – pants – shirt. Please make sure your clothes are not see through when wet!
What is child dedication?
To dedicate a child at Liferoads, the parent(s) bring the child to a Sunday service, and at a designated time, come onto the stage. The pastor introduces them to the congregation, explains the decision they are making, and prays for them. Dedication, however, does not grant salvation to a child. That decision is made by each person for him or herself at the time when they understand the need to make it and have the desire to do so. Dedication also is not baptism or a substitute for it.
Why should you do it?
Parents, in making the decision to dedicate a child, are committing to present their child to the Lord (Luke 2:22) and raise their child in a godly manner. (Deut. 6:7, Ephesians 6:4) Parents are given this opportunity to recognize God’s gift of a child to them and lay a foundation of learning about God.
The Liferoads congregation is challenged to support the parents as they raise their child. The parents are part of the Liferoads community and commit to supporting the spiritual development of their child while in this community.
When should you do it?
Often, parents dedicate children when they are still infants. There is no such requirement, however, and older children are equally welcome. Dedication should be done when the parents are ready to make the commitments detailed above.
A child need only be dedicated once in a Christian church. Dedication is not required to make a future decision regarding salvation, nor to participate or become an owner at Liferoads.
How do you do it?
At any time you can submit the child dedication request form here. Or you could simply indicate on a Getting Connected card (at the bottom of a program) that you’re interested in dedicating a child. If there is a specific date you’d like to do it, mention that as well. Dedication can be performed in either service. We’ll be in touch to confirm the date and get you more details.
On the Sunday of the dedication, just sit down in front and we’ll do the rest. After the dedication, feel free to take your child to a children’s class or have them sit with you in the service. That’s it!