Baptism Process for Adults

Jesus, in his Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), tells His people to, “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…” At Sacred City we understand the Bible to teach that baptism is a mark of discipleship to Jesus and should, therefore, follow a credible profession of faith. Discipleship to Jesus Christ is evidenced by believing in Jesus (Romans 10:9), seeking to live a righteous life (1 John 3:24), and growing in love for one another (1 John 4:7-12).

If you have been converted and are living as a disciple of Jesus, he commands you to be baptized as a public profession of your faith and declaration of allegiance to Christ and His church family. We’ll be celebrating the sacrament of Baptism again soon at Sacred City! So if you desire to pursue baptism, please start this process off by clicking to the next page.

Your name *

Email address *

Phone number *

Preferred means of contact *

Phone

How long have you been a part of Sacred City Church? *

How did you get connected with Sacred City? *

Invited by someone to the Sunday Gathering

Invited by someone to Missional Community

Website or Social Media

Other

Please describe this connection - how did you come to be at Sacred City?

Are you currently attending a Missional Community? *

yes

Describe in your own words explain why you want to be baptized. *

Study

In this part of the baptism process, you will have some assignments! At this time, please access the materials listed and linked below. You can continue to the next page only after you have finished these materials.

Read and/or watch John Piper's sermon: What Is Baptism and How Important Is It? http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/what-is-baptism-and-how-important-is-it

Read What Is True Conversion? by Stephen Smallman (available digitally) http://www.amazon.com/What-Conversion-Basics-Faith-Reformed/dp/0875526594/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376323272&sr=1-1&keywords=what+is+true+conversion1&keywords=what+is+true+conversion

Read The Sacraments - Sacred City's position on baptism and communion, written by Pastor Justin Dean. http://c577a1159857756f3429-09f294ac0a55d4c9f3c22fdba70cdf42.r30.cf2.rackcdn.com/uploaded/t/0e4184188_1488400212_the-sacraments.pdf

Conversion Story

Your conversion story is the story of how God brought you to faith in Jesus. This part of the process will help you understand and articulate your conversion story. It will help to clarify your own spiritual journey and aid you in talking with others about Jesus.

As a guide in writing your conversion story, we want you to follow the basic outline of What is True Conversion?

Note: if this exercise leads you to realize that you have not yet experienced true conversion, that’s okay! Have courage to confront that possibility, and set up a time to meet with an elder or deacon to talk further.

I have completed the required materials and am ready to continue! *

What thoughts or questions did these materials provoke in you?

Starting with your story *

Our experience of conversion is Trinitarian, starting with the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit, who leads us to faith in the Son, who helps us know the love of the Father (p. 6-7). We must start with our own story, but we must, “get a bigger perspective of what God’s salvation is all about.” (p.10)

Write About Your Own Story (p.11) What kind of religious background did you have? What circumstances did God use to cause you to become more serious about Him?

Effectual calling *

We are able to open our hearts to Christ because the Holy Spirit is working in us. The Holy Spirit both persuades and enables us to embrace Jesus Christ by faith (p.14-15). God Almighty moves directly on the soul and makes a person alive in Christ (p. 17).

Write About Your Own Story (p. 17): How have you been convicted of sin and how do you sense your need for Jesus? Do you understand the difference between effectual calling or regeneration (God’s work) and conversion (human response)?

Embracing Jesus Christ *

True conversion is, “embracing Jesus Christ as he is freely offered to us in the gospel.” (p. 18) A person can be spiritually alive but not yet converted – an “awakened sinner” (p. 20-21). There is always a public aspect to true conversion, signified by baptism (p. 23).

Write About Your Own Story (p. 24): Would you describe your own conversion as a dramatic or a gradual turning? When did you find yourself, “embracing Jesus Christ” in a personal way? If you are not sure you are converted, does the term “awakened sinner” help you?

Loved by God the Father *

Conversion assumes turning to walk on a new path (p. 25). Adoption (relating to God as Father) is the highest privilege the gospel offers (p. 28). Through adoption, we become part of a new spiritual family called the church (p. 29).

Write About Your Own Story (p. 29): Have you begun to grow beyond a focus on your own experience, to an appreciation of God’s greater purposes in redemption? How real is the truth of sonship to you? How is it affecting your daily life and relationships?

You're done!

At this point in the process, your application will be forwarded to an MC leader or Pastor for further processing. Please click Submit to finish.

A copy of your responses will be sent to your email address.