When a couple gets married, they make a choice on whether or not to give each other a ring. You don't necessarily need a ring to be married. But putting a wedding ring on your finger tells the whole world that there's a change of status in your relationship. It's a public symbol of your love and commitment to one another. It shows your spouse that you're excited to take a bold new step towards an amazing life together – It's a cause for celebration!

Baptism is similar to a groom giving his bride a ring. It's a public declaration symbolizing your inward decision to follow Jesus.

Unlike a wedding ring, that is meant to be worn each day to serve as a reminder for the decision you've made, baptisms don't happen everyday...that's what showers are for. So we've got to make sure that your baptism is memorable. Trust us - You're not going to forget getting dunked underwater, fully clothed, in front of a ton of people.

Yes, you will get wet. Yes, your clothes will be drenched. Yes, it'll probably ruin your hair. Yes, you'll have to sacrifice some of your pride, but that's kinda the point. In making the decision to lower yourself, you make room in your heart to experience more of God. The joy that God will have in watching you publicly saying 'Yes' to a relationship with Him and choosing to put your love on display, will surpass it all!

Choosing to be baptized is a milestone, a life-changing decision to celebrate with God and with your community. In many ways, it will mark the commencement of your spiritual journey, but your story will not end there.

It's the start of a lifetime where you'll continue to say 'Yes' to Him each and every day - and it's not going to be easy. You're probably going to have some hurdles and wrong turns along the way, but God is ready to take you on wherever you're at. Choosing to continue to trust and follow Jesus, you'll experience more grace and love than you ever thought was possible. You'll learn more about God (and yourself). You'll receive new gifts and unleash previously untapped power. You'll change and transform into the person you were created to be.

No matter where life has you, you can point back to your moment of baptism to remember that you chose God, and He's not leaving your side.

Ready to make the plunge?
Take the bold next step to find opportunities to get baptized here.

Interested in learning more of what life looks like after baptism?
Check out this article and what next-steps you can take

Have a few more questions about baptism?
Check out the baptism FAQs or talk to our team: baptism@crossroads.net.