Baptism is a way of connecting to the family of Christ and identifying oneself as a follower of Christ.  Water baptism was established by Christ himself for the benefit of his soon-to-be-born church.  In the New Testament church, water baptism followed conversion.  Baptism is not optional; it is Christ's command.

Baptism strengthens the believer and begins an important pattern of obedience to the instructions of Jesus.  It is a normal step in the process of discipleship and maturity in Christ.

Water baptism does not rescue us from our sins - only Jesus' death on the cross can do that! - but baptism is a public demonstration of a heart decision to follow God wholeheartedly.  Friends and family witness this important occasion in a believer’s spiritual development.

Here at ECB, we baptize by immersion, as this seems to be the method used in New Testament times.  Certainly, it best symbolizes our burial with Christ and the new life of the resurrected Christ spoken of by Paul in Romans 6:4.  The verse depicts what has occurred in salvation: we are now "dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus" (6:11).

Prior to your baptism at ECB, we require a brief (but important) class be taken.  The class encourages each candidate to ask questions about the Christian faith, as well as prepare a written testimony to be shared during the service on the Sunday of baptism.

If you have additional questions, please call the church office (02-653-0521).  We would love to tell you more about how to know God personally through his Son, Jesus, and about following the Lord in baptism.