Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow and obey Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. While it does not "save" anyone, it is an act of obedience Jesus encourages us to take in order to identify ourselves as one of His followers. Thank-you for considering taking this step of obedience with us at BridgeWay Community Church!
Step 1: Write Your Story
Type your Baptism Story in a Word Document by thinking through the following questions:
- What was your life like before you started following Jesus?
- How did you begin following Jesus?
- Why do you want to get baptized?
- What's your favorite Bible verse?
There is a sample baptism story below that you can use as an example when writing your own story, but we ask that you keep your story to 600 words or less as we typically have many people wanting to get baptized and we want to have enough time to hear everyone's story.
After you type your initial draft, please send it to us at: will personally work with you to make sure your story is ready to go! Please also indicate which worship service you would like to be baptized at. We will do our best to accomodate your request, but we fill these spots on a first-come, first-served basis, so please get your story turned in as soon as possible.
Step 2: Ask Someone to Read Your Story
One of the traditions at every BridgeWay Baptism Service is that each person getting baptized asks someone close to them to read their baptism story. This can be a spouse, a close friend or someone who has played a significant role in your spiritual journey. We want to involve as many people as possible in your baptism celebration, so please invite your family and friends to join you for this special service.
If you would like one special person to assist in the tank with your baptism (Pastor, Small Group Leader, Friend or Family Member), please let us know in advance so we can do our best to make it happen.
All baptism stories must be completed at least one week prior to the baptism service so we have enough time to get everything ready to go. Once your story is in its final form, we will print it off and have it in a notebook ready to be read in the service. Whoever is reading your story will simply have to show up and read it for you in front of our congregation when it's your turn to be baptized.
Step 3: Prepare for The Big Day
There are a few practical things you will need to know to prepare for the big day...
- Baptisms are typically done toward the end of the worship service, but it would be best to come to church that day dressed and ready to be baptized. Wear a modest, dark-colored bathing suit or a sweatshirt and a pair of shorts and flip-flops.
- We will have a towel for you to dry off with after the baptism, but feel free to bring a towel of your own as well as a change of clothes to use when you go to the restroom to get changed.
- We will have reserved seats for baptism candidates down near the baptism tank, but you can sit with your friends and family members until it's time to begin the baptism service.
- When it's time to get in the tank, hopefully the water will be warm and you can simply relax and enjoy the experience. You may be asked a couple yes or no type questions before your baptized, then simply fold yoru arms across yoru chest (or hold your nose if you need to) and leave the rest to us.
Sample Baptism Story
I was fortunate to be born into a family that made God and Church a priority. My parents provided me with principles and a clear message of what was right and wrong. They reinforced that message by sending me to religious elementary, junior high, and high schools. I’m thankful to my parents and extended family for providing me with the necessary guidance and direction to ensure that I was always on the right path.
During college I found a church that kept me spiritually fed and provided the proper biblical teachings that pointed me toward Jesus Christ as a young adult.
I’m here today because I’ve only been baptized as an infant and never immersed as an adult. Since coming to Bridgeway with my wife this past March, I know this is our Church home and want to rededicate my life to Christ in this place.
I have carried Ephesians 2:8-9 with me for a long time – it was my confirmation verse, given to me by the pastor. It reminds me of God’s power and grace.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.“