FAQ

Go to www.crossway.org.au/baptism and complete the online application form. A Crossway pastor will be in touch with you by email or phone to discuss next steps and introduce you to the online baptism preparation process. The preparation process provides biblical teaching on baptism and tips on how to write your testimony.
Baptism usually takes place at a worship service. It can also be done in a backyard pool, spa or bath tub, or in a nearby body of water. If none of the above are available, we have inflatable tubs which can be borrowed.
Baptism can be done at anytime; we ask that it be coordinated with your Crossway Campus Pastor.
Baptism can be conducted by a believer in Jesus who has been baptised. This person could be a pastor, friend, family member or flat-mate. It may be helpful for you to go through www.crossway.org.au/baptism together.

When baptising, the candidate can sit in the tub, pool etc ready to be lowered backwards so they’re completely submerged. The person baptising will say the words (after a testimony is given or a confession of faith) “On confession of your faith, I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit”.

If there is no testimony, these questions can be asked and answered (as a confession of faith):

Person doing the baptism asks:

• Do you believe that Jesus is the son of God?

• Do you believe that He died and rose again?

• Do you accept him as your Lord and Saviour and follow Him for the rest of your life?

Person being baptised answers YES to all questions.

We ask that a testimony and the actual baptism be written/recorded and sent to baptism@crossway.org.au

Many people have been baptised or Christened as small children. For some this is held as a very significant event; a moment when their parents took special vows on their behalf. Without wanting to diminish anyone’s past experience, it is important to consider that the only form of baptism recorded and instructed in the New Testament is that of believers being baptised by full immersion in water. Actually, there is genuine uncertainty concerning both the historical origins and the social and theological reasons for infant baptism. As the first command of the Christian life, being baptised is the action whereby we witness to our faith and signify our unity with Christ in His death and resurrection. We encourage you to take this step of basic obedience really seriously, whether or not you were baptised as a child. It is worth taking time to talk this through carefully with a trusted friend or leader.

Being baptised by full immersion is the first step of the Christian life. It’s not something we earn the right to do or something reserved for people who have attained some sort of higher spiritual level. It is also not something that people do again and again to try to heal a rift between themselves and God. The New Testament teaches about one baptism. Some people may have previously been baptised in a tradition that teaches full immersion believers baptism; however, they might have taken the step because they somehow felt pressured, or for reasons other than their trust and hope in Christ. If that’s the case and you’re considering being baptised again, take the time to talk through your decision with a trusted friend or leader.

Baptism is a very special opportunity to witness to our faith before our friends, family and community. It’s important that we affirm that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Saviour. It’s also a great opportunity to explain how Christ has impacted our lives so much that we’re taking this step of obedience and being baptised. However, there is no rule anywhere that says you have to share your testimony there and then.

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