Water baptism by immersion is a visual object lesson that illustrates your new life as a Christian.  The word "baptize" means "to dip under water."  The Greek work baptize means "to immerse or dip under water." Baptism by immersion best symbolizes a burial and resurrection!  The founders of each of the major church denominations in the United States agree.

"I would have those who are to be baptized to be entirely immersed, as the word imports and the mystery signifies." – Martin Luther

"The word ´baptize´ signifies to immerse. It is certain that immersion was the practice of the ancient church." – John Calvin

"Buried with Him, alludes to baptizing by immersion according to the custom of the first church."– John Wesley

Many have the idea that water baptism is like a Christian "graduation" ceremony.  The Bible clearly illustrates that baptism is actually an initiation rather than a graduation.  It is a first step to take after having believed in Christ as one’s Savior and Lord.  The act of baptism is an initiation into God’s family of faith.  Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, as well as a believer’s death to their "old life" and resurrection to "new life" in Jesus Christ.

"Christ died for our sins... He was buried... and He rose again." – I 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

There is no reason to delay.  As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and should be baptized.  If you wait until you are "perfect," you will never get baptized!  If you have special needs, we will do whatever is necessary to serve you.

Some denominations choose to christen infants. While we recognize the right of other churches to practice infant christening, we understand Scripture to teach that only professing believers qualify for baptism. Baptism does not make you a believer; rather it shows that you already believe.

As You Consider Baptism

We are excited that you are interested in baptism. We believe that baptism is an important step of obedience for every person who has accepted Christ as his or her Savior.

These pages have been designed to explain baptism and the necessary steps to be baptized at an upcoming service. The links on the right are intended to contain all the information you'll need, but if you still have questions, feel free to contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call Pastor Mark at 573-396-5694, 396-5315 or 276-7989.

We consider it a privilege to walk with you as you take this next step on your spiritual journey.

The Baptism Process

The baptism process at PVGBC has been designed to be both simple and meaningful. From the beginning to the actual baptism, each step has been carefully planned with you in mind.  There is no reason to delay baptism.  We can be prepared to baptize you at any of our church services although baptism is normally during our Sunday morning worship service:

1. Talk to Pastor Mark or Rick McCord. They will be able to answer any questions you may have.  If you have accepted Christ at a youth event you should talk to Rick about being baptized.  He will refer you or will speak to Pastor Mark for the next step.
2. Schedule a Date. You will want to consider your family and their schedules.  Consider who you want to invite and check to see what dates they have available.  Please have a date in mind when you talk to Pastor Mark.
3. Get baptized! Baptisms normally take place during one of our Sunday morning services. You will need to bring a change of clothes with you on that date as well as a towel.  The baptism may occur any time during the service and Pastor Mark will let you know prior to the service when to expect the baptism.

Baptism Q & A

The first step to take in your new relationship with God after you have asked Jesus to be your Savior is to be baptized.

What is water baptism?
It is a spiritually meaningful, symbolic ceremony that publicly shows our desire to obey God and to follow Jesus.

Why do we baptize?
Jesus commanded us to baptize (Matthew 28:19-20), and we are following His example when we do it (Mark 1:9). God affirmed the baptism of His Son by His own blessing (Mark 1:11) It is a symbol of how we were spiritually buried with Him and raised for new life when we accepted His salvation.

Is baptism part of salvation?
No. We are saved by faith and God's grace, not by any religious works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is to salvation what a wedding ceremony is to a marriage. The wedding doesn't legally make anyone married- that happens by the signing of a marriage license as witnessed by a church leader or court official. Baptism, like a wedding ceremony, is a public display of our love for someone- in this case, Jesus!

Why is baptism done publicly?
Almost all of the biblical examples of baptism show people doing it in public (Acts2:41), because we are not to be ashamed of Jesus when we have become Christians. We should want to share our joyous decision with family, friends, and our church.

Why do we baptize by immersion?
As we read the New Testament, we see people being taken down into water and brought back up (Matthew 3:16, Acts 8:38-39). The Greek word 'baptizo' means to immerse. Immersion is a picture of being buried and raised to new life in salvation (Romans 6:4). This is not a major doctrinal issue with us- we are more concerned with our hearts' condition with Jesus. But, we want to practice scripture as closely as we understand it.

Who can baptize?
In the New Testament, we usually see church leaders baptizing (John 4:1-2, Acts 10:47-48, 16:33). Our pastor baptizes, and will often invite lay ministers and family members to participate.

How soon should I be baptized?
In the New Testament, we see people being baptized immediately after salvation, as a first and public step of obedience to Jesus (Acts 2:41, 8:38-39, 10:47-48). We would encourage you to be baptized as close as possible to your date of salvation. There is no scriptural reason for waiting.

What if I was baptized before getting saved?
Since baptism is a first step of obedience after salvation, the first time may have been a well-meant, but only religious activity. We would invite you to be baptized again as a new Christian

What if I was not immersed for baptism?
Although the method of baptism is not a major doctrine to us, we do desire to practice the pattern found in the New Testament. So, we would invite you to be baptized by immersion.

Should infants be baptized?
Although scripture shows Jesus welcoming and blessing children, it does not show Him baptizing infants, nor are there any passages that show or command this practice. Since baptism is a step of obedience after salvation, and since (due to mental development) infants cannot make that spiritual choice, we do not baptize them. We do, however, dedicate infants to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:27-28). This is a special commitment ceremony where the parents and the church pledge together to spiritually nurture the infant as he or she grows, and we pray for their eventual salvation.

Can children be baptized?
In the New Testament, new converts to Christianity are those who were baptized. If a child has understood and accepted salvation, then there is no reason that they should not be baptized.

What is the history of baptism?
John the Baptist began preaching for people to repent, and to show that inward heart change through an outward action. He baptized people at the Jordan River until he introduced Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus' disciples continued the practice of baptism, Jesus commanded all of His followers to practice it, and the first churches in the book of Acts practiced it. It has been an ordinance of Christ's church since then until today.

What happens during baptism?
The candidate wears dark shorts and a dark t-shirt. During the service, the person is brought forward and steps into a tank of water and either they briefly state their salvation experience, or the pastor does. The person is dipped back into the water and quickly raised back up, symbolizing Jesus' death and resurrection.

For more information, call 573-396-5694, 396-5315, 276-7989.