Baptism is the essential outward expression of the inner change that has already taken place in a Christ-follower’s life. Therefore it should precede becoming a member.
Baptism is the traditional rite of a Christian’s public confession of faith and membership in Christ’s body. We practice full immersion in water because it identifies the believer with Jesus’ death in going down into the water, and with his resurrection in coming up again.
For infants, we practice child dedication, where we join with parents in thanksgiving and as a community stand with them as they publicly declare their commitment to raise them in a loving, Christ-centred home.