Baptism

Baptism at Four Oaks Community Church

The New Testament clearly presents baptism as an ordinance to be observed by every follower of Jesus. It is a priority and the first step of disciple making.

1. Baptism was clearly commanded by Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

As we see the New Testament church formed and expanding, we see baptism being practiced consistently.

2. Baptism was consistently practiced by the first century church.

Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. (Also see Acts 8:36; 9:18; 10:46-48; 16:15, 33)

3. Jesus himself was baptized and included baptism as a part of his ministry.

(Matthew 3: 13-15; John 4: 1-2)

What does baptism mean?

It is significant to note that the two ordinances to be observed by the church are both tied to the most central truths of our faith: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As a consistently repeated ordinance, the Lord's Supper emphasizes the ongoing fellowship we have with God through Christ while baptism occurs only once as a symbol for a person's initiation into the faith. Baptism is a physical expression of spiritual realities that have been brought about by the life-changing work of the Holy Spirit. It represents:

1. The Holy Spirit's work of uniting us with Jesus Christ.

Romans 6: 3-5 Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. If we have been united with him like this in his death, we will certainly also be united with him in his resurrection.

2. The Holy Spirit's work of cleansing and regeneration.

Titus 3: 3-7 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.

The emphasis in these passages is that salvation through Jesus Christ radically alters our relationship with sin and its consequences because the Holy Spirit has joined our lives to Jesus Christ. Therefore, his perfect righteousness becomes our righteousness before God. His crucifixion becomes the punishment we deserve. And his resurrection guarantees a new life that is so radical it can be called a 'rebirth.' It is important to note that it is not water baptism that causes this relationship with Christ. Instead, baptism is an act of obedience by those who, by faith, have already been united to Jesus Christ.

The Practice of Baptism at Four Oaks

Immersion: We practice what is called "baptism by immersion." A person being lowered completely under water seems to be the pattern of the New Testament and a fuller picture of spiritual baptism as defined above. (Mk. 1:5, 10; John 3: 23; Acts 8: 36-39; Col. 2:12)

Believers: According to the references that have been cited thus far in this document, the pattern within the New Testament is that those who received baptism had already believed in Jesus Christ for salvation. We continue with this practice by only baptizing those who are old enough to understand what it means to profess his/her faith in Jesus. We do allow for parents to have a service of dedication for infants or young children in which they, along with the congregation, pledge to nurture the child in the Lord's instruction and for His glory. We do not, however, baptize or christen infants or young children.

Public: We believe that baptism is most effective as a public act. Baptism is a public profession of one's faith that can both edify the church and be a testimony to others regarding the gospel of Jesus Christ. (Rom 10: 9-10; Mark 8: 38)

Tied to Membership: Every member and every person pursuing membership at Four Oaks should be baptized. As baptism marks a person's beginning in Christ, it also marks the beginning of a person's relationship with Christ's body, the Church. It was through the ordinance of baptism that the first century believers were added to the church (Acts 2:41).

The Baptism Process for Adults at Four Oaks

Sign up Watch the Sunday Worship Bulletin for baptism announcements and sign up on the Feedback Slip.

Attend Adult Baptism Class This two-part class focuses on the history, significance, and meaning of baptism. The next baptism class will be on Sundays, March 15 and 22, during 2nd service in Room 7209.

Complete a baptism application This short application includes the candidate's explanation of the gospel and testimony.

Meet with a pastor A pastor follows up with each candidate on his/her application, including hearing the candidate's testimony and answering any additional questions.

Gather at the water We will have a community picnic Sunday evening and then join around the pool or lake for worship and baptism. The next baptism is April 19, 2009.

The Baptism Process for Children and Youth at Four Oaks

We are very excited about a process we've recently established for young people who would like to follow the Lord in baptism. Faithfully preparing a young person to follow the Lord in the obedience of baptism is an important responsibility entrusted to Christian parents and to the church. We believe that parents are responsible for instructing their children and overseeing their spiritual development. The church leadership is responsible to sustain and guard the ordinance of baptism and to faithfully 'shepherd the flock of God' (1 Peter 5:1-3). We believe this 'faithful shepherding' includes preparing our young people well. Therefore, it is fitting for leaders of the church and parents to work together in preparing young people for baptism. The following is a summary of the new baptism preparation process:

Interest Expressed and Mentor is Identified The parent(s) of the baptism candidate enter the baptism process and serve as the candidate's mentor. Most often the mentor is the candidate's father - if he is a believer and living in the home. If not, the candidate's mother, grandparent, or another mature believer may assume this responsibility.

Mentor Orientation Session on Friday, January 30, 2009, from 7-9pm at FOMC This meeting is designed to help prepare mentors for their significant role in the preparation process, including going over the baptism guide. Click here (Part I) and here (Part II) to listen to the most recent orientation session.

Mentor's Individual Sessions with Candidates Mentors are encouraged to have at least five separate one-on-one sessions with the candidate to discuss 5 goals detailed in the baptism guide. During this time, mentors determine if the candidate should continue in the preparation process or be encouraged to wait.

Testimony Night for Mentors and Candidates on Tuesday, April 7, 2009, from 6:30-8:30pm (location TBD) Mentors and candidates meet as a group with church leaders, where candidates share their testimonies and review the meaning of baptism. At the end of this session, each candidate and his mentor indicate whether or not the candidate is ready to be baptized.

Baptism Interview The candidate is interviewed by a pastor to confirm a credible profession of faith and clear understanding of the meaning and significance of baptism.

Baptism Service on Sunday, April 19, 2009 If the candidate is deemed ready by the mentor and church leadership to be baptized, then the candidate's baptism is scheduled for an upcoming service.

Click here for a discussion on the minimum age for baptism.

Click here to download the text version of the Four Oaks Baptism Guide.

Adult Baptism Class

Click the link above to register for the next two-part Adult Baptism Class on Sundays, March 15 and 22, during 2nd service in room 7209. You must be a covenant member at Four Oaks or be pursuing membership by attending the Welcome to the Family class in order to attend the Adult Baptism Class. The next baptism is Sunday, April 19. Contact Pastor Scott for more information.

Children and Baptism