You are probably more ready than you realize! However, the first step is knowing you have a personal relationship with Jesus.

Even if that relationship just started today!

One of our favorite examples is is found in Chapter 16 of the book of Acts. To set the stage, there was a Jailer who asked two of his prisoners, Paul and Silas, a desperate question:

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

Here’s what happened next…

“They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized. The jailer brought them into his house and set a meal before them; he was filled with joy because he had come to believe in God—he and his whole household.”

— Acts 16:25-40

Did you see the progression there? The Jailer (And his whole household!) believed and were immediately baptized.

No waiting around, no trying to be good enough. Just believe and be baptized.

The purpose of baptism is to publicly identify as a new believer in Jesus Christ. The question may be asked, “Why are so many people baptized as babies?” In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them, and told his disciples to welcome them, but he did not baptize them, and he did not tell anyone else to baptize them. Baptism is appropriate only for those who have made a personal decision to trust Christ alone for their salvation.

If you were baptized as a child, it was no doubt the intent of your parents that you would one day be a follower of Christ. Your baptism as an adult can be viewed as the fulfillment of your parents’ wishes. It in no way affects the baptism you received as a child.

The New Testament records the baptisms of adults who are believers but never of children. Baptism can’t give a person anything, spiritually speaking. It can only signify something that has already happened. Therefore, Harbor Church recommends only those that have reached at least 3rd grade and profess to follow Christ be baptized.

We do, however, encourage Christian parents to present their children for the ceremony of dedication, whereby God’s blessing is formally invoked upon the children. The parents, family, and church body are given the opportunity to publicly commit themselves to raising the children in accordance with the teachings of Scripture.

If you have any questions about Child Dedication, click HERE to learn more.

The leadership of Harbor Church recommends that children be, at least, in 3rd Grade to be baptized.

This recommendation is founded on Proverbs 20:25 which issues a significant caution against the danger of making a vow before adequate knowledge, forethought, and reflection have been given.

A pastor at Harbor will baptize you. However, if there is a Christian in your life who you'd like to baptize you, that is perfectly fine.

We recommend that you wear shorts and a dark t-shirt. It's also helpful if you bring a change of clothes and a towel with you.

We provide towels, as needed, and will give you a t-shirt that says "Raised to Life" as a way to celebrate this awesome day!

Upon registration, a member of the Harbor Church Staff will reach out to you to acknowledge and celebrate your decision. They will also give you the necessary details about your baptism.

You will also receive an email with information on the significance of baptism in your faith journey!