Baptism is an important first step for a Christian. In baptism, each person gets their own personal experience: you identify with Jesus by giving up your life, by being buried (under water), and rising in New Life. This outward act demonstrates our inner commitment to Jesus. Because of this, we think a celebration is in order whenever someone in our church family makes this public declaration, so we celebrate baptisms regularly!

Baptism is a way we identify with Jesus’ burial and resurrection.
“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” Colossians 2:12

Baptism is a symbol of new life as a Christian. It is through baptism that Christians find new life.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

For new life.
“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.” 
Romans 6:4

To follow Jesus’ example.
“At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan.” Mark 1:9

Because Jesus commanded it.
“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.” Matthew 28:19-20

Scripture provides evidence that baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Acts 2:41, 8:12, and 10:47–48). In the Bible, we find parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them, prayed for them and told us to welcome them. But He did not baptize them and He did not tell anyone else to baptize them. New Life Church believes baptism is for those who have made a personal decision to trust Jesus alone for their salvation, once they have the maturity and ability to understand what that means.
Dedication is not a sacrament; nor does it impart grace or salvation to a child. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ as each person recognizes their sinfulness and receives forgiveness and eternal life through him and his work on the cross.

Rather than baptizing infants or children, New Life Church encourages Christian parents to dedicate their children. This is a special moment in our church service where parents formally call upon God’s blessing for their child and publicly commit to raise him or her in accordance with scripture.