WATER BAPTISM

What We Believe About Water Baptism

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to be water baptized. Water baptism is your opportunity to show others that you have accepted Christ and are now walking with him. Because Jesus instructed us to be water baptized, it is an act of obedience. While it is not necessary for salvation, it demonstrates submission to God.

Water baptism is a public confession of faith in Jesus. When someone surrendered their life to Jesus in the early church they were instructed to be water baptized immediately (Acts 2:38).

The Bible teaches us that water baptism is not only a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ but is also a way of sharing the message of Jesus’ death and resurrection (Colossians 2:12).

Going Into the Water
Jesus Christ was crucified on a cross, He died, and He was buried. A follower of Jesus considers his old life of sin crucified and dead (Romans 6:11, Galatians 5:24).

Coming Out of the Water
Jesus Christ did not stay in the grave but rose from the dead. With Jesus, Christians are raised from spiritual death to a new life of faith in Jesus (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:4, Colossians 3:1). Christ has forgiven and washed away their sins (Colossians 2:13).

 

How We Celebrate Water Baptism

At Centerway we celebrate life-change and baptism is a part of that. We’ll help you understand your decision, celebrate with friends and family as you get baptized, and give you an opportunity (if you’d like) to tell your story via video that will be shown at a Sunday gathering.

FAQ’s

What is the process?

Step One: Sign up.
Fill out our baptism registration form to tell us about yourself.

Step Two: Schedule your video date and baptism.
A member of our team will reach out to you with available dates.

Step Three: Get prepared.
We will walk with you and guide you as you prepare to share your story.

Step Four: Shoot your video.
​You will be coached by a team member in sharing your story on video.

Step Five: Get baptized!
​We will all celebrate together as you take this next step in your faith. Feel free to invite friends and family to watch you be baptized!

Step Six: Invite friends and family to our gathering when we show your baptism video.
​We will give you the date that your video will be shown. It will include your story as well as video of your water baptism.

For baptism not shown in one of our gatherings:

  • When signing up for your water baptism, let us know in the “Questions or Comments” portion of the form that your would prefer not to have your video shown.
  • Or check the box that you would like to speak with someone before scheduling your baptism. We will then email or call you to discuss your options and answer any questions you have.
Do I have to do a video?

Yes, if you would like your story and baptism to be shown in one of our gatherings. We would prefer you to so we can celebrate your decision. Plus it provides the opportunity to invite friends and family to one of our gatherings so they can celebrate with us!

No, if you don’t want your story and baptism shown in one of our gatherings.

The important thing is to have a plan for how you’re going to share your story with others through your baptism, because we believe that everyone who has placed their faith in Jesus Christ has a story worth sharing.

 

What about infant baptism/christening?

Some churches choose to christen or baptize infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant baptism, we understand Scripture to teach that only people who have made the decision to follow Jesus should be baptized. Baptism does not make you a Christian. It shows that you already are one.

For more information on how we partner with parents to raise their children to have a growing relationship with Jesus, please speak with a Centerway Kids Team Member!

If you have a question not answered here and/or would like to speak with someone, we’d love to talk with you. Please contact us, and a member of our team will reach out to you.

BAPTISM STORIES

God is writing a beautiful story in each of our lives, and we love to celebrate that! So grateful to share some of those stories of new life in Christ with you. If you have questions about faith in Jesus, being baptized, or you want to be baptized, we’d love to help. Send us an email or check out the info on this page.

Ellise’s Story

This is a story from our first church baptisms, September 22, 2019 at Canandaigua Lake.

Andy’s Story

This is a story from our baptisms that took place on September 25, 2022.

Kyra’s Story

This is a story from our baptisms that took place on September 25, 2022.

Aubree’s Story

This is a story from our baptisms that took place on September 25, 2022.

Jordan’s Story

This is a story from our baptisms that took place on January 28, 2024.

Zoe’s Story

This is a story from our baptisms that took place on September 22, 2024.