Baptism | Third Church

Joyfully we welcome you into the Body of Christ through the sacrament of baptism!

Baptism for Infants & Children Believer Baptism for Students & Adults

What is the purpose of baptism?

Water cleanses, purifies, refreshes and sustains: Baptism points us towards Jesus Christ who is the Living Water. Through Baptismal Water we are baptized “into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” The Father seals us into His covenant of grace; the Son washes away our sins through His cleansing blood; and the Holy Spirit promises that He will dwell in us. Baptism is an outward sign and seal of receiving this beautiful gift!

What is One Baptism in Two Moments Over Time?

Baptism (baptizo) is first and foremost about being in relationship with our Triune God. Secondarily, baptism is about rites (sprinkling and immersion). An examination of the numerous ways in which the word baptizo is used in the New Testament will yield at least 12 different meanings for baptizo. All of these meanings are less about the ritual act, and much more importantly, the desire to symbolize and represent spiritual truths. A full Biblical view involves one baptism into Jesus Christ with two parts (covenant and believer) separated by time.

One baptism in two moments over time combines infant covenant baptism and believer baptism as a full expression from both the Old and New Testaments. God’s covenant reminds us that He has created, selected and chose us to be His sons and daughters!

Sprinkling of infants is based on the covenantal perspective of God’s promises of special care for children of believers. It acknowledges the richness of the imagery of sprinkling of infants as a celebration and reception of God’s covenant promises by the parents and to God’s people regarding the child and cleansing, washing in the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. This invitation into God’s covenant is celebrated with hopeful anticipation for the infant’s response to God’s covenant graces later in life. We believe this is a gift, but not necessary for salvation.

When a person accepts Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and makes a public confession of faith, immersion brings to fruition this personal response. The one being baptized chooses to die to self and rise to new life in Christ; making a commitment to walk with God.

What is Third Church’s response to baptism?

Joyfully we welcome you into the Body of Christ and invite you to participate in one baptism in two moments over time! We promise to love and support baptized brothers and sisters by providing transformational teaching of the Word of God, encouraging believers to be led by the Holy Spirit, being an example of Christian faith and character, and by providing the strong support of God’s family in fellowship, discipleship, prayer and service.

Infant Baptism

The rite of sprinkling shall be administered to infants connecting God’s covenant promises for the child as he or she participates in discipleship over time with the parents and the church. We believe that parents of infants and children being baptized accept God’s promise on behalf of the child.

What is the process for Infant Baptism?

BAPTISM CLASS & ELDER MEETING

Attending the infant baptism class serves as a bridge between church and home and covers the sanctity (importance, holiness) of infant baptism, Third Church’s spiritual formation plan for infant-12th graders, and prepares families for a Baptism Service. Connecting and meeting with a Third Church elder will be part of this class and at least one parent must be a Third Church member to request baptism. If parents have already attended class for a previous child, you will not need to attend class but will still need to meet with an elder.

Infant Baptism class will be held on November 24 and Baptism Services will be held on December 14 & 15, 2024. Click the button below to register for an Infant Baptism class or meet with an elder.

Still have questions? Please reach out to Katie Peterson, Lead Pastor - Discipleship & NextGen Ministries, with questions about baptism at Third or the baptism process.

Believer Baptism

The sacrament of believer baptism in any of its forms (immersion, sprinkling or daubing) shall be applied during or after an individual has made their personal and public profession of faith in Jesus Christ.

What is the process for Believer Baptism?

The first step in this process is to accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Next, prior to baptism and over the course of six meetings with a mentor, you'll go through our Believer Baptism materials and learn about the gift of baptism, the incredible love God has for you and be encouraged to continue to align your life with Word of God through worship, discipleship, prayer and service. During your final meeting, you and your mentor will meet with an elder to talk about your personal commitment to walk with God and share your conversion testimony. On baptism day, you will make a public profession of faith, share your testimony and be baptized.

Baptism Service Dates for 2024

November 17, December 14 & 15

To begin the Believer Baptism process, click button below to receive materials for you and your mentor and to select a baptism service.

Still have questions? Email Katie Peterson, Lead Pastor - Discipleship and NextGen Ministries, with questions about baptism at Third or the baptism process.