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Baptism
Frequently Asked Questions
Baptism is one of the first acts of obedience for a new believer. It is a public declaration of faith and a step that signifies alignment with the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
This FAQ is designed to help you understand what baptism means, why it matters, and how we at Agape practice it.
It is not merely a tradition, but a deeply meaningful spiritual act with historical, biblical, and personal significance. If you are considering baptism, the process begins by sending an email to the pastor to begin the conversation. This initiates an application and conversation process to ensure baptism reflects a genuine personal faith and understanding of its meaning.
No, baptism does not save you. The Bible teaches that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism is an outward expression of the inward transformation that has already occurred in a believer's heart.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” — Ephesians 2:8–9
Paul reminds the Ephesians that salvation is entirely God's work. Baptism is a response to salvation, not a requirement for it.• To follow Jesus' example.
Jesus Himself was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, not because He needed to repent, but to fulfill all righteousness and to set an example for us. His baptism marked the beginning of His public ministry and demonstrated His humility and obedience to the Father's will.
When we choose to be baptized, we are walking in the footsteps of our Savior, identifying with Him and His mission, and showing others that we, too, are surrendering our lives to God’s purpose.
• To obey His command
“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.” — Matthew 28:19
This is Jesus' direct instruction to His followers. Baptism is not optional; it is an essential part of being His disciple.
• To go public with your faith
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” — Mark 16:16
Baptism is a bold declaration that Jesus is Lord of your life. It publicly aligns you with Christ and His people.• It symbolizes Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“Having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” — Colossians 2:12
This verse underscores the union between Christ’s death and resurrection and the believer’s new life. Baptism vividly portrays the gospel: we are buried with Christ in His death and raised to walk in newness of life. This act connects the believer to the central event of our faith—Jesus’ atoning death and victorious resurrection. It's more than ritual; it's a reenactment of spiritual truth, testifying that the believer has died to sin and now lives by the power of God who raised Jesus from the dead.
• It represents new life in Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”— 2 Corinthians 5:17
“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death...so that we too might walk in newness of life.” — Romans 6:4
Baptism is a celebration of the transforming power of the gospel.
Baptism signifies a complete metamorphosis. It marks the end of the old self—bound by sin and separation from God—and the beginning of a new identity in Christ. The water does not save, but it outwardly expresses the inner reality of salvation. It's a celebration of grace, a testimony to the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and an invitation for the church to walk alongside this new life in discipleship.
• It is a declaration of war and a public switching of allegiance.
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” — Colossians 1:13
Baptism is a defiant act in the face of spiritual opposition—it is the believer saying,
“I now belong to Jesus.” It is a decisive break from the reign of sin and the systems of this world.In baptism, we switch allegiances, pledging loyalty to Christ the King.
It is a public declaration that we are no longer under the rule of darkness, but citizens of the Kingdom of God, joining His mission in the world.We practice believer’s baptism by full immersion, which is the consistent pattern seen in the New Testament.
Believer’s baptism means that a person is baptized after making a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ. In the biblical record faith and repentance always come before baptism:-
“So those who received his word were baptized...” — Acts 2:41
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“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news... they were baptized, both men and women.” — Acts 8:12
This form of baptism is by full immersion, symbolizing death to sin and resurrection to new life:-
“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water...” —Matthew 3:16
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“They both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.” — Acts 8:38
The immersion reflects the pattern of Jesus’ own baptism and the teaching of the apostles.
It is a visible, public act of obedience done after someone has repented and placed their faith in Christ.
At Agape, baptisms are typically held at Pewaukee Lake during summer months or in our Fellowship Hall during colder months.-
Everyone who has made a personal decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Baptism is an act of obedience for those who have responded to the gospel with personal faith and repentance. It is not a cultural rite or a tradition—it is the believer’s public declaration that they belong to Jesus and intend to follow Him. Scripture consistently shows that baptism follows belief.
“So those who received his word were baptized...” — Acts 2:41
“But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” — Acts 8:12
These examples emphasize that baptism is for those who have heard the gospel, received it, and responded with faith.
What about children?
At Agape, children may be baptized with their parents’ permission—provided that they demonstrate both maturity and a clear understanding of the gospel and of what baptism means.
We do not baptize based on age, but on evidence of personal faith and spiritual readiness.
Children must be able to articulate their decision to follow Jesus, understand the symbolism of baptism, and express a genuine desire to obey Christ.
Parents play a vital role in discerning readiness. We encourage conversations at home and in the church community to help children count the cost and make this step with clarity, not pressure.
Every disciple of Jesus—young or old—should take this step of obedience when ready.At Agape, we honor the intentions and spiritual sincerity behind infant baptism—often performed by families and churches desiring to dedicate a child to God. These moments reflect deep love, commitment, and hope for that child’s spiritual journey.
Infant baptism expresses the faith of the parents or community; believer’s baptism expresses your own faith. Scripture teaches that baptism is a response to personal faith, not a substitute for it.
“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins...’” — Acts 2:38
“But when they believed Philip... they were baptized, both men and women.” — Acts 8:12
The consistent New Testament pattern is this: people hear the gospel, believe it, repent, and then are baptized. Baptism follows a conscious decision to trust in Jesus. It is not something that can be done on our behalf, nor something we grow into—it is the believer's personal declaration of faith and allegiance to Christ.
So what does this mean if I was baptized as an infant?
If you were baptized as a baby, you can still honor that as a meaningful part of your spiritual heritage. However, believer’s baptism is your opportunity to affirm your own faith—to say publicly: “I now follow Jesus for myself.” This is not a rejection of your parents' faith or spiritual legacy, but a fulfillment of it.
Being baptized as a believer is not “getting re-baptized.” It is the first baptism by immersion that aligns with the biblical pattern—after you have repented and believed in Jesus. Choosing to be baptized as a believer does not dishonor your past; it completes your spiritual journey toward obedience and discipleship.
If you’re in this situation, we’d love to walk with you through it, pray with you, and answer any questions you may have.
At Agape, we do not practice infant baptism; instead, we offer Baby Dedication, a joyful and sacred moment in the life of the church and the family.
What is Baby Dedication?
Baby Dedication is a meaningful way for parents and the church to:
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Welcome the child into the broader church family with joy and gratitude.
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Pray blessings over the child’s life, asking for God’s favor, protection, and future faith.
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Commit together—parents and congregation alike—to raise the child in a Christ centered home and faith-filled environment, pointing them to Jesus.
This dedication is not a substitute for salvation or baptism. It is not regenerative. Instead, it mirrors biblical examples of parents presenting their children to God in faith:
1 Samuel 1:27–28 – Hannah brings her son Samuel to the temple and says, “I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the Lord.”
Luke 2:22 – Mary and Joseph bring baby Jesus to the temple “to present him to the Lord,” following the customs of their faith community.
These examples show parents publicly entrusting their child to God’s care and committing to raise them in faith—a model we joyfully follow in dedication ceremonies.
When does baptism happen for children?
As children grow, we encourage and guide them toward understanding the gospel. Once a child is old enough to:
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Grasp the message of salvation • Express genuine repentance and faith in Jesus
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Understand the meaning of baptism as a declaration of that faith
…then they may pursue believer’s baptism, with parental permission and pastoral guidance.
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As soon as you’ve trusted Christ as your Savior.
Baptism in the New Testament always follows belief—it is the first act of obedience after someone responds to the gospel. It is not something to be delayed until you feel “spiritually ready” or have reached a certain level of maturity. The call to follow Jesus includes the call to be baptized, and Scripture encourages us not to wait.
“And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.” — Acts 22:16
This verse captures the urgency and immediacy of baptism. Once a person places their faith in Christ, they are invited to publicly declare that decision through baptism. It’s not the final step of discipleship—it’s the starting point of your new life in Christ.
Baptism is not:
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A sign that you have it all together.
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A reward for spiritual growth.
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A graduation ceremony after discipleship.
Baptism is:
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A response of obedience to Jesus.
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A public declaration of personal faith.
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A first step in following Christ as His disciple.
At Agape, we offer baptisms several times a year—often outdoors at Pewaukee Lake in the summer, or indoors in our Fellowship Hall during colder seasons. We are flexible and joyful about helping you take this step when you’re ready. If you’ve trusted Christ and haven’t been baptized yet—now is the time.
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“I was baptized as a baby.”
We honor the spiritual intentions of infant baptism and encourage you to follow the pattern in Scripture: baptism follows a personal decision to trust and follow Jesus. Consider affirming your faith through believer’s baptism, which reflects your own relationship with Christ. It’s not about undoing the past, but about publicly owning your faith today.
“I still struggle.”
Everyone who comes to Christ still wrestles with sin. Baptism isn’t for the perfect—it’s for the forgiven. It's not the finish line; it’s the starting point of your journey with Jesus. Baptism is a declaration that your hope is in Christ, not in your ability to clean yourself up.
“I’m nervous in front of people.”
That’s totally normal—we get it. Many people feel anxious about being in front of a crowd. But know this: you’re surrounded by a spiritual family that is cheering you on. Baptism is not a performance—it’s a celebration of God’s grace in your life.
“What will others think?”
It’s natural to wonder how others will react, especially if your journey of faith is new or different from your upbringing. But remember, what matters most is honoring Jesus. Baptism is about obedience to Him—not the approval of others. He is worth it.
“I’m afraid my family will think I’ve abandoned my roots or my faith.”
This is a tender and deeply personal concern. Choosing to be baptized doesn’t mean rejecting your past—it means owning your faith in Christ today. In fact, your decision might be the very witness that God uses to stir faith in others. You are not dishonoring your heritage; you’re stepping into the fulfillment of it by publicly following Jesus. Sometimes obedience to Christ brings misunderstanding—but it also brings freedom, clarity, and peace.
“I don’t know enough yet.”
You don’t need to have all the answers to take your next step. Baptism is not about theological expertise—it’s about a personal response to Jesus. If you’ve trusted Him for salvation, that’s enough. Learning and growth will come in time.
“I’m waiting for a sign or a special feeling.”
The clearest sign is already given—Jesus commanded baptism as part of discipleship (Matthew 28:19). Waiting for an emotional confirmation may delay your obedience. Faith acts on God’s Word, not just on feelings.
Bottom line: If you’ve trusted Jesus, don’t let fear, uncertainty, or pressure from others hold you back. Baptism is your step of obedience—and we’re here to help you take it with courage and joy.
Baptism is a joyful celebration—but also a physical event that involves water, movement, and preparation. To help ensure a smooth and meaningful experience, here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
After baptism, you’ll be wet! Be sure to bring a towel and dry clothing to change into. We’ll have designated changing spaces available.
• Wear water-friendly shoes and clothing.
Dark-colored shirts and shorts or athletic wear are recommended. Please avoid light colored fabrics that become see-through when wet. Water shoes or sandals are helpful – avoid flipflops any shoe that can easily slip off your foot.
• Leave valuables at home or with someone you trust.
We suggest removing jewelry, glasses, watches, or anything that could be damaged or lost in the water. If needed, bring a small bag to store personal items.
• For outdoor baptisms, prepare for the weather.
Bring sunscreen, bug spray, or extra layers to protect from the wind depending on the season. We will communicate specific location details and suggestions in advance.
• We can accommodate physical limitations.
If you have mobility concerns, medical conditions, or other physical needs, please let us know. We are committed to making baptism accessible for everyone.
Bottom line: Come prepared—but don’t worry. We’ll guide you through everything so that you can focus on what matters most: declaring your faith in Jesus.
Your baptism is more than a moment—it's a public declaration of your new life in Christ. As part of this step, we ask everyone being baptized to write and submit a personal testimony. This is not about perfection or eloquence—it’s about sincerity. Your story honors Jesus and encourages others in their faith.
Submitting your testimony beforehand allows our pastoral team to affirm your decision and walk with you through any questions or next steps. We want to celebrate with confidence that your baptism reflects a genuine and personal commitment to Jesus.
Use these questions to guide your story:
1. What was your life like before Christ? Share what shaped your worldview, identity, or struggles. You don’t need to go into great detail, but help us understand what life was like before your relationship with Jesus began.
2. How did you come to believe? What was the turning point? Was there someone who helped you understand the gospel? Was there a moment of clarity, or a season of slow awakening? What led you to place your trust in Jesus?
3. What has changed in your life? Describe how Christ has made a difference— whether it’s in your heart, your habits, your relationships, or your hope. You don’t have to have everything together, but how has God been at work?
4. Why are you choosing to be baptized now? What does this step represent for you? Why is this the right time? This helps connect your story with your obedience to Jesus' command to be baptized.
5. What does Jesus mean to you? Speak from the heart. Who is Jesus to you personally? Savior? Friend? Shepherd? King? Share your love for Him, and what it means to follow Him going forward.
A few tips for writing and sharing your testimony:
• Keep it personal. Your story matters. Whether you came to Christ in a moment or through a long journey, your testimony gives glory to God—and baptism is the next beautiful chapter.
• Write it in first person, as if you’re telling a friend.
• Be real and humble. You don’t need dramatic details; your honesty is powerful.
Once submitted to Pastor Florin, a member of our servant leadership team may follow up with you for encouragement, clarification, or to pray with you. This is not an exam—it’s a chance to celebrate what God is doing and ensure this step is grounded in faith and understanding.
Are you ready to take the step of baptism?
We would be honored to walk with you. Baptism is a powerful act of obedience and joy—it marks your public declaration that you belong to Jesus. Whether you've followed Him for a short time or many years, now is a beautiful moment to respond.
To begin the process, simply email:
Once you reach out, we’ll set up a time to talk, answer any questions, and help you prepare—both practically and spiritually. We’ll support you each step of the way, from writing your testimony to celebrating your baptism with your Agape family.
You’re not alone—this is what family is for. Let’s take this step together.