Water Baptism

Water baptism is an important experience in the life of a Christian Believer.

Water baptism is a public profession of your faith in Jesus Christ. It is the next step after your decision to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior.

The Bible clearly teaches that water baptism is the first act of obedience after making a commitment to Christ. Baptism allows a Christian Believer to communicate to one's self, to family and friends, and to the world in general, their devotion and surrender to Christ.

At The Bridge if someone is interested in being water baptized there is a brief form that the candidate must fill out. If the candidate is a minor, then a parent must sign the form too. This form is located in the church lobby at the welcome center.

After the form is turned in, a pastor assigned to that age group will contact the candidate about the water baptism experience, then schedule a ceremony date and time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you baptize infants or toddlers?

No. The Bridge practices what is commonly referred to as "the believer's baptism." This means that a person is water baptized after, and as a result of, their personal confession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. If a child is too young to understand and also make a sincere confession of faith, then he or she is not ready to be water baptized.

If you were baptized as an infant or toddler, before you understood your faith, you will be encouraged to be water baptized now as a conscious act of your confession of faith.

Is it necessary to be water baptized to go to heaven?

No. Water baptism is not magical or mystical, holding special powers that heal, save or qualify a person for God or heaven. In reality, there are probably hundreds, even thousands in the course of history who were never able to be water baptized but still they were welcomed into heaven. However, the Bible is clear that water baptism is expected of all who confess faith in Jesus Christ and should not be delayed or avoided.

Do you sprinkle or pour water over the head during the ceremony?

The Bridge follows the example of the New Testament where baptism was done by complete emersion under water. This symbolizes the burying of the old and the rising up of the new person. To make this possible we water baptize using a pool of water.