What We Believe

Baptism symbolizes how we as Christians join in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. (Romans 6:3-4) The word “baptized” is translated in the Greek as “to submerge”. This is why we submerge people under the water. We also baptize after a person has become a Christian. We do not practice infant Baptism because the decision was made by the parents to raise the child in a Christian home and not the child himself/herself. Each person has to understand Baptism enough to make a personal decision. We will baptize children only after a meeting with the ROCC staff and with full consent of the parents.

The Scriptures are consistent when it comes to people getting baptized (post Jesus Christ baptism) after their conversion experience. It was a BIG deal to get baptized in the first century. The Christian community would gather publicly to celebrate a new life in Christ. After a person was baptized, they would be wrapped in a white robe symbolizing being washed from their sin and now being seen by God as spiritually set apart. Then a parade through the streets occurred to celebrate the new believers. At River Oaks, we do not have parades after our Baptism services, but we do celebrate a new life in Christ regularly in our morning services.

What To Expect

At your baptism, a pastor, friend, family member (a Christian whom you asked to baptize you) will ask you, “Who is your Lord and Savior (Life-Leader & Forgiver)?” You will say, “Jesus Christ”. Then you will be lowered backwards into the water until you are submersed and then pulled back out of the water.

We encourage you to invite friends and family to this special occasion to celebrate with you!

If you are interested in going public with your faith in Christ through baptism, we would love to talk with you about that! You can register HERE and get the process started.