Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command, just as the church has done from its beginnings.

“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’” — Matthew 3:16-17 NLT

“Jesus came and told his disciples, ‘I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’” — Matthew 28:18-20 NLT

“Then Peter asked, ‘Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?’ So he gave orders for them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” — Acts 10:47-48 NLT

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?
Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

You believe the Good News.
“Peter replied, ‘Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away—all who have been called by the Lord our God.’  Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.” — Acts 2:38-39, 41 NLT

You are beginning a changed life in Christ.
“For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.” — Romans 6:4 NLT

“For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.” — Colossians 2:12-13 NLT

You are part of a new family.
“For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus. And all who have been united with Christ in baptism have put on Christ, like putting on new clothes.” — Galatians 3:26-27 NLT

HOW WILL I BE BAPTIZED?
We baptize by full immersion (dunking under the water), and by calling on the name and authority of Jesus just as Jesus and the early church showed us.

“As they rode along, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, ‘Look! There’s some water! Why can’t I be baptized?’  ‘You can,’ Philip answered, ‘if you believe with all your heart.’  And the eunuch replied, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ He ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” — Acts 8:36-38 NLT

“What are you waiting for? Get up and be baptized. Have your sins washed away by calling on the name of the Lord.” — Acts 22:16 NLT

WILL I HAVE TO SAY ANYTHING?
Yes – just a few sentences privately to the person baptizing you. You will be asked:

Do you understand why you are being baptized?
Do you believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God?
Do you claim Jesus as your King and Savior?
You only need to answer briefly and honestly. Then the person baptizing you will dip you under the water, raise you back up, and congratulate you!

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR WHEN I AM BAPTIZED?
We recommend modest clothing – remembering that wet clothes become transparent and sticky. A dark t-shirt will be provided for you. Shorts and jeans are commonly worn.

We’d suggest bringing:

A change of outer- and under-clothes
Any toiletries you might require
A plastic bag for wet clothes 

I HAVE ALREADY BEEN BAPTIZED. SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
Your baptism should have come from a firm faith that Jesus Christ died and rose again to provide a covering for our sins, and that His name and authority are the only means for restoration with our Creator God. Baptism signifies you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family.

If your baptism did not source from that faith in His name or reflect this change of life, we encourage everyone to be baptized again.

CAN MY FAMILY BE BAPTIZED TOGETHER?
Yes. If each family member understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptized at the same time.

CAN MY INFANT/CHILD BE BAPTIZED?
With parental consent, we will baptize anyone over age 7 who understands what baptism symbolizes and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to partner with our Kids and Student ministries to guide your children through these decisions of faith.

The first members of the Jesus movement taught that baptism is made effective by saving faith in Jesus Christ. We understand that some churches practice “baptism of confirmation” for children. This custom began about 300 years after the Bible was completed and is different from the biblical examples of new believers being baptized as a public profession of their faith in Jesus for forgiveness of sins. 

At Manteo Faith, we choose to provide opportunities for infant/child dedications, but not baptism. This ceremony is intended to be a commitment between parents and God on the behalf of the child. The parents promise to raise their child in the faith until the child is old enough to make his or her own personal confession of faith in Christ.  To schedule a baby dedication, email the church office at manteofaith@gmail.com.

Have a question we didn’t cover?
CONTACT US

Ready to sign-up for Baptism?
Congratulations on such a huge step of faith! Simply email us with your name, phone number, and address with the subject line being “Baptism.” We’ll contact you within 24 hours.