Next Steps
Baptism
We're excited that you're interested in baptism — one of the most joyful next steps you can take as a follower of Jesus.
We believe baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as Lord and Savior.
At Church at the Grove we don't baptize every week — instead we hold several Baptism Sundays throughout the year. If you'd like to be baptized, let us know and we'll keep you posted about the next baptism service.
We'd consider it a privilege to walk with you as you take this step on your spiritual journey.
Questions? Email Pat Hardin at pat@churchatthegrove.com or call the church office at 678-729-8501.
Watch
What is baptism?
What We Believe
A closer look at baptism
Who should be baptized?
The blood of Jesus Christ, shed on the cross, is the sole basis for the forgiveness of sin. Salvation happens when a person places their faith in the death and resurrection of Christ as full payment for their sin.
If you've accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you're ready to be baptized. Just as a bride and groom wear wedding bands to show their love, your baptism is a way to show others that you've trusted Christ and are now walking with Him.
Still have questions about beginning a relationship with Jesus? We'd love to talk — just reach out to Pat.
What baptism symbolizes
Baptism shows others that you've entered a relationship with Jesus. It pictures what already took place in your heart at salvation:
- You trusted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
- You shared in His death and resurrection — going under the water (dead to your old life), then rising again (receiving His new life).
- You were symbolically washed clean, your sins forgiven through His death on the cross.
Because Jesus told us to be baptized, baptism is an act of obedience. It isn't necessary for salvation, but it demonstrates our submission to God. We baptize by immersion because that's the way Jesus modeled for us — a public way to acknowledge our faith in Him.
What about infant christening?
Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that baptism is for those who already believe. Baptism doesn't make you a believer — it shows that you already are one.
Preparing
Share your story
As part of your baptism, we'll ask you to write a brief testimony — the story of how God has worked and is working in your life. Don't worry about speaking in front of people: someone on our team reads every testimony aloud, so you can simply enjoy the moment. Try to keep it to about three minutes.
Once it's written, email your testimony to Pat at pat@churchatthegrove.com.
How to write your testimony
- 1Begin by introducing yourself.
- 2Briefly talk about your life before Christ.
- 3Describe how and when you accepted Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.
- 4Talk about how Jesus has affected your life since.
- 5Optional — thank one or two people (perhaps your small group) who've helped you on your journey.
- 6Make your public profession — for example: “Today I publicly profess my faith in Jesus Christ. He is the Lord of my life.”
Above all, let your testimony center on the difference Jesus has made in your life. Stuck on what to say? Email or call the office — we're glad to help.
Sample Testimony
My name is Russ Butcher. I did not grow up attending church, but I had a godly grandmother who took me with her when I stayed at her house. More than that, she modeled what it looked like to be a genuine Christ-follower. I admired her and other Christians I knew, but I spent most of my adolescence chasing things that only brought temporary peace.
After some tough circumstances during and following my senior year of high school, my older brother Eddie invited me to his church. Sitting in a service on New Year's Eve 1983 — through the music, preaching, drama, and people's testimonies — God clearly called me to His grace and forgiveness. That night I asked Jesus to forgive my sin and to come live in my heart, and I turned to follow Christ in a personal way.
I was baptized, and a friend named Matt began to disciple me. I started to grow in my faith. Life hasn't always been easy, but following Christ has brought a significance and fulfillment I never had before. My desire is to keep growing as a Christ-follower and to influence as many people as possible to join me on this journey.
On the Day
What to wear & bring
- Conservative clothing — a bathing suit with shorts and a t-shirt (please, no white shirts).
- A towel and a plastic bag for your wet clothes.
- A change of clothes and anything you need afterward (hair dryer, etc.).
Make the most of your baptism
Take advantage of this special occasion to invite as many friends and family as you can. Many of them might not normally step into a church — but because you've invited them into something personal, they'll be glad to come hear your story and the truth about Jesus. It's an incredible celebration, and we can't wait to share it with you.
In Scripture
Baptism in God's Word
In the days ahead, take some time to pray and read what the Bible says about baptism for yourself.
Baptism pictures Jesus' burial and resurrection.
Christ died for our sins … He was buried … and He rose again.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.
Colossians 2:12
Baptism pictures our new life in Christ.
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.
Romans 6:4
Baptism doesn't make you a Christian and it doesn't save you — you're saved through faith in Jesus alone. So why be baptized? To follow the example Jesus set (Mark 1:9), and because He commanded it (Matthew 28:19–20).
Ready to take the next step?
Let us know you’d like to be baptized and we’ll be in touch about the next Baptism Sunday.