At Canvas Church we believe that you should be baptized once you have believed, and accepted Jesus Christ to be your personal Saviour.
“Those who believe…were baptized…that day!” —Acts 2:41
“Then Philip began with the scripture and told him the Good News about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water! Why shouldn´t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” —Acts 8:35-38
There is no reason to delay. As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized. If you wait until you are “perfect,” you´ll never feel “good enough!”
Where does baptism take place?
Water baptism happens whenever there is a 5th Sunday at either a local swimming pool or at the beach.
Can my family be baptized together?
Yes! If each family member understands fully the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time. It is a wonderful expression of commitment. Young children who wish to be baptized are asked to meet with our Canvas Kids Pastor for a pre-baptism conversation. However, it is important to remember that baptism is a personal statement of faith, not a family tradition. It is usually not wise to delay your baptism while waiting on other family members to accept Christ, particularly children. This puts an undue pressure on them, and delays your obedience. Please click here for a guide on Children’s Baptisms.
What should I wear?
Pants / shorts and a dark t-shirt are recommended. Other items are fine as long as the clothes are not revealing when wet.
Will I have to say anything?
At the baptismal service you will be asked you if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. You will then be briefly lowered into the water, afterwards you may leave the water, dry off, and watch the others. Later you will be mailed a certificate of your baptism. We encourage you to invite all your relatives and friends to attend your baptism. Other than stating publicly that you have accepted Christ you are not required to say anything. You will be given to opportunity to give a brief testimony, but the choice is yours.
What if I have special needs?
Our pastors can perform a private baptism if needed.
What is the meaning of baptism?
It illustrates Christ´s burial and resurrection (“Christ died for our sins… He was buried… and He rose again.” — 1 Cor. 15:3-4, “For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” —Col. 2:12).
It illustrates my new life as a Christian (“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” — 2 Cor. 5:17, “By our baptism then, we were buried with Him and shared His death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead…so also we may live a new life!” — Rom. 6:4).
Baptism doesn´t make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. Baptism does not “save” you, only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring —it´s the outward symbol of the commitment you make in your heart (“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith… it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” — Ephesians 2:8-9).
Why baptized by immersion?
Because Jesus was baptized that way (“As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water.” — Matt. 3:16).
Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion.
(Example) “…then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water…” — Acts 8:38-39.
The word Baptize means “To dip under water.”
The Greek work, Baptizo, means “To immerse or dip under water.”
It best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!
Who should be baptized?
Every person who has believed in Christ.
“Those who believe and accepted His message were baptized…” —Acts 2:41
“Simon himself believed and was baptized…” —Acts 8:13
“But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News… and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” —Acts 8:12
At Canvas Church we wait until our children are old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism before we baptize them. Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This ceremony is intended to be a covenant between the parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his own personal confession of Christ. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed. This is different from the baptism talked about in the Bible which was only for those old enough to believe. The purpose is to publicly confess your personal commitment to Christ.
At Canvas Church, it is our desire that everyone be baptized the way Jesus demonstrated, even though many of us were “confirmed” as children.
Why should I be baptized?
To follow the example set by Christ (“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth and was baptized by John in the river.” — Mark 1:9).
Because Christ commands it (“Jesus said, ‘Go then, to all people everywhere and make them my disciples, baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.’” — Matt. 28: 19-20).
It demonstrates that I really am a believer (“… many of the people who heard Him believed and were baptized.” — Acts 18:8, “We know that we have come to know Him, if we obey His commands.” — 1 John 2:3)