Baptism

Baptism

Learn More About Baptism

At Christ Church, we believe that baptism is a one-time decision by those who believe in Christ and wish to publicly demonstrate their faith and obedience.

Christ Church has a few baptism ceremonies throughout the year. Check back here or contact your campus pastor for more information on upcoming baptisms.

Contact Us

Contact your campus pastor if you have any questions or would like to learn more about baptism.

Grayslake (Crossroads)

Contact Aaron Cramer at acramer@christchurchil.org with questions about baptism.

Highland Park

Contact Brad Coleman at bcoleman@christchurchil.org with questions about baptism.

Lake Forest

Contact Paul Fowler at pfowler@christchurchil.org with questions about baptism.

Vernon Hills

Contact Jamie Morrison at jmorrison@christchurchil.org with questions about baptism.

FAQ

Baptism is one of the two sacraments instituted by Christ. It is an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace that symbolizes:

  • Washing of Sin (Titus 3:4)
  • Identification with Christ’s death and resurrection; we “die” to sin and are raised again to life in Christ (Colossians 2:12, Romans 6:3-6)
  • A public act because the Christian life is not to be lived alone (Acts 2:41)

Baptism is described in the Bible as a practice for those who believe in Christ. It is not the baptism that makes you Christian, but the Christian that chooses baptism. Scripture promises that salvation comes through belief (John 3:16) and that nothing we do earns this grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

While baptism is typically a one-time practice in a Christian’s life (Ephesians 4:5), we believe there can be exceptions. This is especially true in situations where a person was baptized in their youth, before understanding their faith decision or the meaning and significance of baptism. In these cases, baptism would be an appropriate choice.

Christ Church does not baptize infants as they are too young to understand and profess their faith. Instead, we dedicate young children and infants as a way of honoring the parent’s heart and God’s Word (1 Sam 1:27-28; Luke 2:22).

The Greek word used in the New Testament for baptism means “to dip or submerge.” Therefore, Christ Church chooses to baptize with full immersion. Exceptions may be made in environments where water is scarce or when it may be unsafe or very difficult to immerse somebody.

The most important preparation is entering into a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ. Consider preparing your testimony, which can be told in 2-3 minutes or written on a single page, highlighting:

  1. What life was like before learning about Christ
  2. How you came to learn about Christ and chose to follow him
  3. How life has been different since placing your faith in him

Christ Church holds two baptism ceremonies each year:

  • March: At one of our partner churches at an inside baptismal
  • August: At our annual church picnic in an outdoor lake or pond

Wear modest, loose, dark, comfortable clothing that can get wet. Remove belts, phones, watches that could be damaged. Bring 2 towels and perhaps a change of clothes.

Christ Church baptizes members and non-members alike, though membership may be a great next step in your journey after baptism.

  • Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17)
  • Jesus commands baptism (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • Baptism symbolizes cleansing (Titus 3:4-5)
  • True cleansing in Christ (1 Peter 3:21)
  • New life in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 2:12)
  • Baptism is public (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12-13)