Baptism

“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 28:18-20

Upcoming Baptisms:

Date: Spring 2024
Location: TBD

Upcoming Baptism Class:

*Required first step for Baptism

Date: TBD
Location: TBD

Registration is currently closed. Please check back here for updates.

What is baptism? 

Baptism is the Christian act of immersing a believer under water and then bringing them up and out. It is a public sign that a person has repented of sins, received forgiveness of sins, died with Christ to sin, been raised to newness of life and received the Holy Spirit. It is also a sign of the believer’s incorporation into the body of Christ as expressed in the local church (Galatians 3:26-28) and a pledge to serve Christ.

Who should be baptized?

Baptism is fundamentally an act of obedience for all those who have repented of sin and trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Every Christian is commanded to be baptized as a sign that they have been united with Jesus in his burial and resurrection (Romans 6:1-10; Colossians 2:12).

If someone has not repented of sin and put their faith in Jesus, they should not be baptized. Therefore, this means that non-Christians as well as children who are too young to comprehend or demonstrate repentance and faith should not be baptized. But if you have come to believe that Jesus is God in the flesh, who came and lived a sinless life, was crucified until death on a cross for your sins and was resurrected on the third day, conquering Satan, sin, and death and giving you new life, then you should be baptized!

Interested in being baptized? Here are your next steps:

  1. (RECOMMENDED) Complete the Membership Class.
    In this course, we’ll unpack our mission, vision, and values. If you've already completed this course you won't have to do it again.
  2. Attend the Baptism Class
    One session on a Sunday afternoon to unpack what baptism is, why we get baptized, and how it relates to the gospel message that we believe in.
  3. Complete the Baptism Application
    This includes writing a brief version of your testimony (how you came to know Jesus, what has led you to want to get baptized, etc.).
  4. Complete a phone call with someone on our team
    We want to hear your story and answer any questions that you might have. So we'll be in touch after you've completed your application.
  5. Attend your Pastoral Prayer Session
    A short session with a couple of our pastors/staff, focused on helping you step into the spiritual reality of all that your baptism proclaims. Our aim is that you leave encouraged and feeling supported by this community.
  6. Record your 30-second Testimony Video
    This video is played for the church on the day you get baptized. And don’t worry, we’ll help you with this! Also, the initial testimony you submit with your application will serve as the basis for this.
  7. Get baptized!
    We don’t see baptism so much as a decision to be made, but as simply a step in discipleship. Disciples of Jesus get baptized; we celebrate with you in your journey of discipleship.
  8. Attend the Post-Baptism Class
    Bring a friend/mentor with you and come learn about how to begin taking practical steps in your apprenticeship to Jesus and your life in the Westside community. *Also where you'll pick up your gift Bible and baptism certificate.

*After you register we'll provide you with a full baptism schedule with more information on each step.

Questions? Email office@wchurch.ca.