 If you are interested in being baptised here at NorthPark, first read through the below as it will give you perspective on how we view baptism here at NorthPark. Next, click here to download a helpful information sheet.
At NorthPark, we teach that baptism is the natural, immediate sequel of a new believer after accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord just as it was in the early church (Acts 16:23-34). Peter told new believers, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
 Scripture goes on to say that “Those who believed... were baptized... that day!” (Acts 2:41). No delay or 10 week confirmation class was required.
 Notice the sequence is 1. Repentance (or faith) and then 2. Baptism. Believing is always prior to being baptized.
• “Those who believed and accepted His message were baptized..” (Acts 2:41)
• “But when they believed Philip as he preached the Good News... and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.” (Acts 8:12)
• “Simon himself believed and was baptized...” (Acts 8:13)
 plasma half.jpg "Image") If this sequence is delayed or left too long, it can become a struggle of a person's will and sometimes even his or her spiritual pride--plus it loses its significance as an initiatory rite (Baptism is an initiation, not a graduation). But a baptism any time is better than no baptism at all.
 Though the Bible never talks about being re-baptized, we are happy to baptize those who were baptized by their parents as small children, but who now want to experience the joy of being baptized following their own personal, conscious confession of faith.
 plasma half.jpg "Image") In being baptized, a believer reveals publicly that a coup has taken place in the secret recesses of his soul. They have overthrown and dethroned their own selfish ego and have put Jesus Christ on the throne of their life. Jesus and His Word now leads, directs, reigns, and rules their life.
 We teach that Baptism does NOT confer salvation. Baptism is NOT a requirement for salvation but an immediate expression of it. Because of this we do NOT baptize young children--though we do "Dedicate" them. (See our section entitled "Dedication of Children" in our Statement of Faith).
 plasma half.jpg "Image") Interestingly, the church never baptized children until the time of Augustine (354-430 AD) when members of the Catholic church made baptism a sacrament (in other words, a means of imparting grace). But because we, at NorthPark Community Church, still believe baptism expresses grace and does NOT impart it, we prefer to wait to baptize children until they're old enough to understand and to express their own personal faith.
 If you are interested in being Baptized, or want to know when we will be holding our next baptisms contact the NCC church office at (661) 29-NORTH or at
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. Cilck "Read More" below to see Frequently Asked Questions about Baptisms at NorthPark.
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