BAPTISM 

A PUBLIC DECLARATION OF FAITH

 What is baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. When you are baptized, you're saying to the world that you want to be identified with Christ and His Church. You are also committing yourself to live a life that honors Him.

As you are immersed in the water at baptism, you are demonstrating that you have personally identified with the death of Christ on the cross for sin. Your sin and judgment have been buried with Christ. As you emerge from the water, you are showing that just as Jesus rose from the grave, so His resurrected life is now alive in you!

As Matthew 28:18-20 says "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

BAPTISM PROCESS

BAPTISM PROCESS

If you have accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, we encourage you to follow Christ's command to be baptized. Below are the steps to get baptized at RHCC.

1. Attend a Baptism Class | Sept 22

Classes occur approximately four times per year. You'll learn more about baptism, how to write your testimony, and what to expect on the day you'll be baptized. 

2. Submit an Application

Complete a Baptism Application. You'll receive a link to it at the class.

3. Meet With a Pastor

A pastor or Elder will contact you to go over your application and get to know you a little better.

COMMON QUESTIONS

FAQs

Yes. We recognize that people come to RHCC come from diverse cultural backgrounds and diverse church traditions. When someone is baptized as an infant, we would not diminish the choice of the parents to baptize their infant nor make light of a parent’s desire to do what they believe is best for their child.

While we would not diminish anyone’s baptism as an infant, we believe that the Bible teaches that believer’s baptism follows an individual’s decision to follow Jesus. So, following in the instruction of the Bible and the examples found there, we would encourage you to be baptized as a believer.

No. 1 John 1:9 makes it clear that if we confess our sins God cleanses us from all unrighteousness. As believers we will continue to wrestle with sin until we are with Jesus in eternity. When we sin, we should acknowledge our sin before God and before the people we have sinned against.

Baptism is the outward statement of the inward change that occurred when we became God’s people. Confession is a normal rhythm for God’s people but should not be confused with baptism. While fellowship may be damaged because of our sin, we can never cease being God’s people.

There is the possibility that an individual chose to be baptized but was never a child of God. In that case, the individual did not “fall away” but was never in the family of God. In that case, once a person is saved and in the family of God, they should be obedient to be baptized as a believer.

Baptism requires that a person can clearly communicate that they are a follower of Jesus. Therefore, RHCC does not practice infant baptism. You can still publicly commit to raising your child to follow Jesus in one of the Child Dedications throughout the year. Click here to learn about Child Dedications.

If you believe your child is ready to get baptized, we encourage you to meet with our Children's Ministry team.

WE'D LOVE TO HELP

Have questions? Don't hesitate to ask.

We're here to walk alongside you as you take this important step of faith. If you have questions about baptism, our team would be happy to connect with you, provide guidance, and help you determine your next steps.