BAPTISM

What is baptism?

Baptism is an important and exciting step for every person who has accepted Jesus as their savior. Baptism is an act of obedience to his command: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).

Through symbolism, baptism celebrates many aspects of our salvation in Jesus. The water symbolizes spiritual cleansing and forgiveness through Jesus’ sacrifice. Immersion under the water symbolizes dying to our old, self-centered ways, and then being raised to a new life marked by love for God and others. While baptism itself does not save us, when we are baptized, we declare publicly that we will follow Jesus.

Baptism is public because it is also a celebration of belonging to God’s family, the new community we call the Church. It’s one of the best ways disciples of Jesus can share their story with others.

It is a privilege to celebrate with you as you take this next step on your spiritual journey!

Getting baptized at CCC

CCC teaches and practices believer’s baptism for those who have made the decision to follow Jesus and are 12 years and older. While there is no age described in scripture, yet several factors have played into the CCC elders decision to start baptisms at the age of 12. If you have more questions, please reach out to allisond@cccomaha.org.

We invite parents of younger children to continue to mold them into Christ like obedience. Communion is open to any age child, at a parent’s discretion. Communion is different because it invites us into communion with God regularly and not once in a lifetime. We also encourage parents to read scripture, pray together, and invest relationally in their kids in addition to attending church as all of these things mold children into Christlikeness. Then, when they are 12 years old, we will be delighted to baptize them!

Christ Community Church has a few different ways to go about baptism which include monthly story telling baptisms during Sunday services, baptisms within Community Groups and family, and a yearly baptism celebration called Baptism on the Green in June. We want to help everyone take their step of obedience toward baptism in a way that is lifegiving and encouraging to the body of believers.

Baptism on the Green will be June 2 at 9 AM and is a day of baptisms outside in the front of the church. This day is a celebration Sunday that is set aside to worship and celebrate what God is doing in the lives of so many of our friends. If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, have been following him for a while but ready to go public with your faith, or have felt that prompt but nervous about being on stage, Baptism on the Green, is a great time to get baptized.

What can I expect at Baptism on the Green?

· Share your story with a small group at orientation.

· Write 2-3 sentences that will be shared just before you will be baptized by the one baptizing you.

· A space for your family and friends to watch and celebrate you taking this next step.

· For the Baptism on the Green celebration to be live streamed so that your family and friends from afar can join in the celebration.