Baptism
Outward Expression: Inward Change
Interested in being baptized at Easter chapel? The deadline to sign up is March 13th. You will find the sign up forms at the bottom of the page.
What is baptism?
Here at Big Valley, we practice baptism by immersion, which best represents the death, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus (Romans 6:1-5) and symbolizes the burial of the old self and the emerging of a “new creation” in our own lives as we seek to walk and grow with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Salvation is a gift that is given freely by God through the complete and atoning sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross. According to the New Testament, baptism is the first visible expression of our faith. We are compelled to be baptized because Jesus both commanded it and modeled it.
Several times throughout the year at Big Valley, we provide opportunities for people to stand before family and friends and confess that Jesus Christ has saved them from sin and death and given them new, abundant and eternal life through faith in Him. These people have identified with Jesus Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. They have called Him Lord and intend, by His grace and power, to continue following Him. Through their baptism in water they announce to the world the inner cleansing and renewal that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. They are boldly witnessing to the fact that Jesus Christ has set them free to walk in the newness of His life and His love.
We encourage everyone who claims to be a follower of Christ to be baptized as an outward expression and testimony of faith. The best place to learn more is by taking our baptism class.
What does it look like?
Different churches practice baptism with different forms. At BVCS we baptize three times forward in accordance with the tradition of Big Valley Grace Community Church. We go forward as a reminder of Jesus’ death, because Christ on the cross bowed his head forward when he died. We go into the water three times (in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit) to give honor and glory to each person of the Holy Trinity. It is still one baptism, but with three movements. Watch the video below for an example.
What is the process for my child to be baptized?
Step 1: Talk with your student. It’s important for you to discuss it with them because we want your support and permission for them to do this. Chapel is a unique opportunity for them to declare their faith in front of all of their friends, but we also understand that some families prefer to do baptism at their church.
Step 2: Fill out the form below or email Pastor Jeff Thompson and let him know that you want your child baptized.
Step 3: Your student will take our baptism class. Pastor Jeff will pull them out of class with the other students wanting to be baptized and walk through some important information about it from scripture, to make sure everyone fully understands.
Step 4: Invite your friends and family to join us for chapel on the date of their baptism. The baptism will also be recorded so that you can share the video later.
What are the details of the baptism day?
What to Bring:
- Swim trunks or shorts
- Dark colored t-shirt
- Towel
- Bag for wet clothes
- Change of clothes
Dismissal - The office will call the students out of class before chapel. Someone will then walk them upstairs to the baptism staging area. They will have time to use the changing rooms first or they can come ready to go.
After Baptism: The kids will have time to change into dry clothes and say hello to you before returning to chapel/class. You can come upstairs right after the baptism or wait for them in the hallway. There is a door labeled "baptism staging area" in the hallway opposite from the fireside room and kitchen.
Sign Up to Be Baptized
If you are a parent filling this out for your child please use the parent form. If you are a student filling this out, click on the student form.