Baptism
Gospel Chapel understands baptism to be an integral part of the Christian experience. It defines the "who," "what" and "how" of baptism according to the MB Confession of Faith:
God’s Invitation
We believe that when people respond in faith to God’s invitation to repentance, new life, and discipleship, God calls each of them to receive water baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Meaning
Baptism is an act of obedience which testifies that God in Christ has forgiven and cleansed a person from sin, freed them from the power of sin and death, given them the Holy Spirit, and united them with the body of Christ. Baptism by immersion is a powerful testimony that a believer has been washed by the Spirit, has died with Christ to sin and has been raised to newness of life.
In baptism the believer publicly bears witness to their own commitment to follow Jesus as Lord, serving Jesus as a covenant member of the local congregation in God’s Kingdom mission.
Baptism is the God-given means by which the local church family incorporates followers of Jesus.
Who
Baptism is for all those who repent and confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, have received the Holy Spirit, and pledge to live as disciples who obey Jesus in all of life. Baptism is for those who understand its basic meaning, are able to be accountable to Christ and the church, and request it voluntarily.
Practice
The local church baptizes believers by immersion and joyfully welcomes and disciples them into full participation as members of the congregation. The local church also joyfully welcomes Christian disciples baptized elsewhere, regardless of mode, if they were baptized upon their own confession of faith.
The local church invites those who claim baptism prior to their own confession of faith and who desire to be members of a Mennonite Brethren congregation to receive baptism as a testimony to their own faith.
Matthew 3:13-17; 28:18-20; Acts 2:38-42; 8:12; 10:47-48; Roman
For more information on baptism at Gospel Chapel, please contact one of our pastors and we’ll be happy to meet with you and help you take the next step.
UPDATE (04/04/2024):
Please look for more information soon regarding our Baptism and Membership Course that will begin in May, concluding with baptisms at Pines Bible Camp for those who are willing to take the plunge into a new life in Christ!