A simple reason why Christians should be baptized is because it follows the example that Jesus set for us when he himself was baptized (Mark 1:9-11). Jesus also instructed his followers to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Baptism is the picture of forgiveness and new life. The water represents how faith in Jesus cleanses believers of their sin. Also, when you go down into the water and then resurface, you are publically expressing your belief in Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection as well as your own spiritual rebirth.

We baptize by immersion because we want to be a church that does biblical things in biblical ways. In the language that the Bible was originally written in, the word for “baptize” literally means “to dip" or "immerse”, and baptisms in the Bible were done by immersion (i.e. Acts 8:38–39). Also, immersion best symbolizes a burial and resurrection. (Colossians 2:12).

Here at Compass we love to see children making decisions for Christ and confessing their faith through baptism! Take a look at this document we've put together to determine if your child is ready for baptism.

Infants and newborns are precious and innocent, and do not have the need (nor the ability) to repent and turn from their sin. That's why we wait until a child has the need and ability to repent and follow Jesus before we baptize them. If you have not experienced believer's baptism, even though you may have experienced baptism as an infant, we strongly encourage you to be "re-baptized" as a repentant believer.

The Bible teaches that baptism accompanies the decision to follow Jesus, so as soon as you believe that Jesus is your savior, you should be baptized (Acts 8:12).