Baptism

<span style="color:var(--secondary-color-bg)">Baptism at Shalom Life Church</span>

Baptism at Shalom Life Church

Jesus commands his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19). This is not a polite suggestion; it is a command from Jesus which he gives as his "last words" before his ascension into heaven!

At Shalom, we believe baptism is a sacred gift of God’s grace — a visible sign of His invisible work in our hearts and lives. Through baptism, we are reminded that God always makes the first move toward us. Before we can choose Him, His Holy Spirit is already moving in us and choosing us. Before we can fully understand His love, He pours it out freely and the seeds of faith are planted.

Infant Baptism

Infant Baptism

Planting the Seeds of Faith

When we baptize infants and young children, we celebrate that God’s love and promises are already at work in their lives. We believe that in baptism, the seeds of faith are planted — seeds that will, by God’s grace, grow and flourish over time. Parents and sponsors make promises on behalf of their children, committing to nurture these young lives in faith, prayer, and love until the day comes when those children can personally say “Yes” to God’s saving work in their lives and make their faith their own. 

This sacred act isn’t about what we do for God; it’s about what God does for us. It’s about trusting His promise to be faithful, even as we take seriously our role to teach, guide, and model what it means to follow Jesus.

Believer’s Baptism

A Personal “Yes” to God

For those who come to faith later in life, baptism is a beautiful public declaration of that personal “Yes” — an expression of trust, surrender, and belonging. Whether you were baptized as an infant or as an adult, baptism tells the same story: we belong to God, and His grace has claimed us.

<span style="color: var(--secondary-color-bg);">A Community Promise</span>

A Community Promise

Baptism is not a private event; it’s a community celebration. The whole church family promises to come alongside adults, children, and their families , helping them grow in their understanding of God’s love and encouraging them as they live out their faith in the world.

At Shalom, we rejoice in every baptism — infant, child, youth, or adult — because each one reminds us that God is still writing stories of redemption, still planting seeds of faith, and still calling people to Himself.

Scheduling a Baptism at Shalom Life Church

If you would like to schedule a baptism at Shalom, please click on the button below for each child/adult being baptized and someone will get back to you.  Shalom hosts baptismal celebrations at the 11:30am Sunday Worship service.  Because baptism is a celebration for both the family and the greater Shalom Life faith community, we discourage private baptisms whenever possible.  Exceptions can be accommodated when situations are unique. Contact Pastor Dan in the Church Office for more information.

NOTE: The following weekends we’re unable to schedule baptisms:  Holy Week/Easter, Memorial Day,  4th of July, Labor Day Weekend, and Christmas and New Year's.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR BAPTISM

Common Questions

Jesus commands his followers to "go 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 not a polite suggestion, it is a command from Jesus which he gives as his "last words" before his ascension into heaven.

The Book of Acts tells nine stories of baptism as practiced by the early Christian church:

  • 2:14-42 3,000 people in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost
  • 8:12-13 Simon and the men and women of Samaria
  • 8:35-40 Ethiopian eunuch
  • 9:1-19 Saul (Paul)
  • 10:44-48 Gentiles in Caesarea
  • 16:11-15 Lydia and her household
  • 16:31-34 Jailer at Philippi and his entire family
  • 18:5-11 Crispus, all his household, many of the Corinthians
  • 19:1-10 Some disciples in Ephesus
  • 22:6-16 Paul's conversion / baptism story retold

In the Book of Acts, adults are baptized after coming to faith. For adults who desire to be baptized in the church today, this still holds true. Come to faith first (repent; turn back to God), then be baptized to mark what God has done. An infant certainly cannot deduce that Jesus is Savior and Lord, or believe in him. Yet for infants and children, a public statement of faith is not a requirement for baptism. So instead, parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church commit to watering the seeds of faith that have been planted until the child says "yes" to God later on. If infant baptism is nothing more than something we (parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church) do one day for the sake of family tradition or because we just think it's the "right thing to do" it loses significance and is a hollow ceremony. Baptism is not an end to itself. It is a starting point. It is the planting of the seeds of faith, which will be nurtured through the proclamation of the Gospel over the days, months, and years to come by parent/s, sponsor/s, and the church.   That being said, Shalom makes every effort to enfold the celebration of baptism into the greater picture of community life.

Yes - faith foundations (formerly confirmation.) As baptized infants grow, faith grows through the hearing of God's Word through study at home, Kids Ministries, and Student Ministry experiences. Our goal is that eventually our children will make a public affirmation of the Christian faith (saying "yes" to God!)

Absolutely not. We love baptizing adults who are professing their faith in God to their families, friends, and to the world. It would be our joy to celebrate baptism with you as a testimony of your faith in Jesus Christ.

If you have any other questions, call the Church Office at any time: 734-878-6859 or Email Pastor Dan at PastorDan@ShalomLife.org.