Baptism is a special event in the life of a Christ-follower.  It is, perhaps, the event in the life of a Christ-follower.  It is the public declaration of a life change, a line in the sand.  Every person who has put their faith and trust in Christ is called to be baptized as a public testimony of their decision.

That is why Mountaintop places special emphasis during services on those being baptized.  Each one has a story to tell, and there is no better time to tell it.  As someone considering baptism, you'll have the opportunity to share the story of your journey to faith.

To register to be baptized, please contact Linda Crump, Director of Assimilation and Women's Ministries at 205.776.8040.  We would love to schedule a date for your baptism and/or answer any questions you might have. 

For further information on baptism, feel free to read our FAQ section below:

 

 

What is the meaning of baptism?

It illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.
“Christ died for our sins … he was buried … and he rose again.” - 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

“For when you were baptized, you were buried with Christ, and in baptism you were also raised with Christ.” - Colossians 2:12

It illustrates your new life as a Christian.
“When someone becomes a Christian he becomes a brand new person inside. The old life has passed away and a new life has begun!” - 2 Corinthians 5:17

“By our baptism then, we were buried with him and shared his death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead … so that we may live a new life!” - Romans 6:4

Yet baptism doesn’t make you a Christian. Only your faith in Christ does that. Baptism is like a wedding ring; it’s the outward sign of the commitment you have made in your heart. (see Ephesians 2:8–9)

When Should I Be Baptized?

As soon as you can after you become a believer! The Book of Acts reminds us that “those who believed were baptized that day.” (Acts 2:41) And “Then Philip began with the Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the man said, ‘Look, here is water. Why shouldn’t I be baptized right now?’ Philip said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’ So they went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” (Acts 8:35-38)

The Bible teaches that there is no reason to delay your baptism. After becoming a believer, you should participate in the next available opportunity the church provides for baptism. If you wait until you feel you are a “good enough” believer, you will never feel ready for baptism.

Why is immersion baptism important?

It is the method used in Jesus’ baptism.
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.” - Matthew 3:16

Every baptism mentioned in the Bible is by immersion.
“Then both Philip and the man went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water …” - Acts 8:38–39

The word Greek word “baptizo” used in the Bible literally means “to dip under water.”

Immersion best symbolizes Christ’s burial and resurrection. (see Romans 6:1-11)

The founders of the major denominations emphasized immersion. Martin Luther, founder of the Lutheran denomination, said: “I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies.” John Calvin, founder of the Presbyterian denomination, said: “The word ‘baptize’ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church.” John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist and Wesleyan denominations, said: “‘Buries with Him’ alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church.”

What if I was baptized as an infant?

In the Bible, we see parents bringing their children to Jesus. He held them and 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.

So if baptism signifies salvation (as the Bible teaches), only people who have intentionally received salvation should experience baptism. Thus, the Bible would indicate that baptism is for people who have made a decision to follow Christ.

If you have not experienced a believer’s baptism, even though you have experienced baptism as an infant, the full meaning and significance of baptism has yet to take place in your life. We strongly encourage you to be baptized as an adult believer in Christ.

Some churches practice a “baptism of confirmation” for children. This is a time when parents pledge their commitment to raise their child according to Christian values and beliefs. While a very meaningful event, this is not Christian baptism; it is not mentioned in the Bible.

Adult baptism doesn’t belittle your childhood baptism; it is a fulfillment of your parents’ hopes when they had you baptized.

May we baptize our infant/toddler at Mountaintop?

All instances of baptism in the New Testament occur following an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation. (see Acts 2:41; 8:12; 10:47-48) At Mountaintop, that means we wait to baptize until a child is old enough to believe and understand the true meaning of baptism. When a child makes a decision for Christ, we then joyously baptize them in the Christian faith after conferring with the parents.

Is there a follow-up to baptism?

Baptism is a biblical mandate for followers. Participation in a group is essential to being connected at Mountaintop. Through groups your faith will grow as you study and serve with others. Contact Linda Crump, Director of Assimilation and Women's Ministries, for information on the many ways we have to immerse yourself into community with fellow believers.