what is Baptism?

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It’s a public declaration of how Jesus changed your life. Being baptized shows others that you’ve decided to follow Jesus, and allows them to celebrate this decision with you (Acts 16:31-34).

Baptism doesn’t save a person; it’s a symbol and celebration of salvation (1 Peter 3:21). The power that brought Jesus back to life is the same power Jesus uses to change our lives – and that’s worth getting excited about!

Why should i be baptized?

Jesus instructs us to be baptized and set the example by being baptized (Matthew 28:19-20, Mark 1:9).

Obedience to Jesus shows we believe and follow Him. (1 John 2:3). Because Jesus went public about His love for us, we can go public about our love for Him. Being baptized shows that we turn away from a life of sin toward Jesus, the only one who can change us (Acts 2:38-41).

When's the best time to be baptized?

For everyone who decides to follow Jesus, baptism is the next step. Anyone who commits his or her life to follow Jesus is ready to be baptized (Acts 8:12).

Do you baptize children?

As parents, we can help point our children to Jesus, but they are the ones to decide if they will commit their lives to Him (Romans 10:9).

Baptism follows a person’s decision to trust Jesus for his or her salvation and signifies a commitment to follow Him (Acts 10:47-48). At Stanley River of Life, we wait until children are old enough to express their own decision to follow Jesus and understand the meaning of baptism.

What's the difference between immersing, sprinkling and other ways of baptizing?

Baptisms in the Bible were by immersion. The original word for baptism most often referred to being immersed or submerged in water. Jesus was baptized by being immersed in the water and rising out of it (Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10).

Submersion in the water symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Being submersed underwater represents our death to sin and old way of life, and being raised out of the water is a picture of how Jesus raised us and gave us a fresh start in life (Romans 6:3-5).

What should I wear?

• Bring dark-colored swim trunks, shorts, or pants to be baptized in (avoid wearing jeans)
• You will be provided a t-shirt to be baptized in.
• Bring a towel.
• Bring a change of dry clothes.

I want to get baptized

If you’d like to be baptized,  complete a Water Baptism Explanation & Application form and  contact Stanley River of Life's office at 701.628.3390.  

Completed form may be emailed to media@stanleyriveroflife.org or printed and dropped off at the church office.