Baptism at Oakwood

We believe baptism is an important step of obedience for every follower of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20). We practice believer's baptism by immersion, and it is one of the requirements for membership at Oakwood. Those who have been baptized by immersion as a believer at another church do not have to be baptized again at Oakwood. You can find answers to common questions about baptism below.

Throughout the year we take opportunities to celebrate baptism together as a church. During the warmer months we celebrate baptisms outdoors at a local lake. We also provide opportunities for baptism during worship services at Oakwood in the colder months.

Ready To Be Baptized?

We are excited you are interested in publicly proclaiming your faith in Jesus Christ through baptism! If you would like to participate in the next baptism celebration, use the link below to schedule a time to meet with Pastor Don Jackson.

I Want To Be Baptized

Questions About Baptism

Here are some answers to common questions.

Baptism is an outward sign of your decision to follow Jesus. It is a public declaration of your faith in Christ and your decision to live for Him. Baptism does not make you a believer or “save” you – only your faith in Christ does that (Ephesians 2:8-9). It's similar to the reason married couples wear wedding rings - the rings don't make a couple married, but the rings serve as an outward symbol to them and others of their commitment.  Also, Jesus commanded us to be baptized in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).

The word “baptize” means “to immerse or dip under water.” Water baptism by immersion is public display of obedience in following Christ’s example for His baptism (Matthew 3:16). It also best symbolizes our identification with Christ's burial and resurrection, and our new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-11).

We practice believer's baptism at Oakwood. In the New Testament, faith always preceded baptism. Since a baby has no ability to make a decision to place his/her faith in Christ, infant baptism is not a biblical mandate. Since the purpose of baptism is to publicly profess your personal commitment to Christ, it is best if a child is mature enough to place his/her faith in Christ and understand the true meaning of baptism. For parents with infants and young children, we provide a special time during our worship services when parents may dedicate their children to God. This dedication is a covenant by the parents to raise their child in the ways of the Lord until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal commitment to Christ.

If you have never been baptized by immersion since you became a follower of Jesus Christ, we encourage you to be baptized again. If you were baptized as an infant, believer's baptism doesn't devalue your prior experience, but simply reflects your desire to be obedient to God's Word and follow Christ's example. Those who have been baptized by immersion as a believer at another church do not have to be baptized again at Oakwood.