Preparing for Your Baptism: What to Bring & Expect

We want you to feel fully prepared as you take this step of allegiance to King Jesus. Here is a simple guide to help you get ready for your immersion.

What to Bring

• A Change of Clothes: You will be getting fully wet! Bring a complete set of dry clothes to change into after the service.
• A Large Towel: To dry off immediately after exiting the baptistery.
• A Plastic Bag: For your wet clothes and towel.
• What to Wear During Baptism:
• Please wear dark-colored clothing (a dark T-shirt and shorts/leggings are best), as light colors can become transparent when wet.
• Avoid heavy denim or bulky sweaters, as they become very heavy and difficult to move in when soaked.
• Personal Items: If you wear glasses, you may want to remove them or hand them to a friend just before you enter the water.
• NOTE: Arrive a Bit Early: It is wise to get to the building early so that you can see where to put your clothes and towel, and see where you will change.

What to Expect: The Process

We follow the ancient pattern of "going down into the water" just as the first apprentices did in the book of Acts.

If your baptism is taking place during a Sunday morning worship gathering, here is how the baptism process will flow:

• Invitation Song: After the minister finishes preaching and praying, the band will begin a song. As soon as the song starts, make your way to the front pew where the minister will meet you.
• The Confession: Following the song, the minister will introduce you to the church family. You will then be invited to confess your faith in Jesus Christ by stating the “Good Confession,” based on Peter’s confession in Matthew 16: “I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and I trust Him as my Savior and Lord.” You may simply repeat this after the minister; no need to memorize it.
• Preparation: After your confession, you and the minister (and/or the person baptizing you) will go behind the stage to change into the baptism clothing you brought. Separate changing rooms are available for men and women.
• Entering the Water: While you are changing, the band and/or speaker will continue leading the congregation in song and/or Scripture reading. When you are ready, you and the minister (or baptizer) will step into the baptistery (or body of water). They will help guide and steady you as you enter.
• The Immersion: he minister/baptizer will place one hand on your back and may ask you to hold your nose (optional, but often helpful). They will then say: “[Name], upon your confession of faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” You will then be gently lowered backward under the water and immediately brought back up.
• The Celebration: Be ready for joy! This is a significant and beautiful moment, your “coronation day” into the Kingdom. Our church family will celebrate with applause and/or singing as you come up out of the water.
• The New Life: Afterward, you’ll return to the changing area. We celebrate with you as you begin this new chapter, walking as an apprentice of Jesus and living your eternal life now and forever more.

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." — Galatians 3:27

Check Out the Resources to Grow in Your Faith Journey

• The Apprentice’s Roadmap: Your First 90 Days (Next Steps). Begin your journey after baptism with a guided 90-day roadmap of daily rhythms, community, transformation, and mission to help you follow Jesus with intention. If you are ready to go deeper, check out the next links
• Be sure to take your time working through the Bible Story Overview—it will give you a clear foundation for understanding the story of Scripture and help you continue growing in your faith.
• Learn and Grow - This page is designed to help you take your next step. Whether you’re just beginning your faith journey or looking to go deeper, you’ll find resources to guide you—through sermons and teachings, small groups, spiritual practices, and tools for personal study.