Baptism illustrates Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, and demonstrates our willingness to share in the mission of Jesus. When we publicly declare our faith through the symbol of baptism, we’re telling the world that we’re, “all in!” Baptism gives your church community the opportunity to step in and support you as you pursue Jesus with your life!
One of the most exciting things that we get to do as a faith community is celebrate when somebody makes the decision to follow Jesus; that’s what this is all about! Baptism is an important step in one’s spiritual journey. While it’s in no way a statement of “perfection”, it is a public declaration of one’s intent to follow after Jesus closely for the rest of their life.
Baptism is an important step in making disciples. As disciples of Christ, we get to unashamedly proclaim our love for Jesus.
There’s never a “perfect time” to get baptized, in fact, God calls us into obedience to declare our faith through baptism. So what are you waiting for?
At Trinity, we practice parent and child dedication! We believe that parents have the greatest influence on the spiritual trajectory of their kids’ lives. That’s a big job so we want you to know that you’re not alone. We love partnering with families to support, journey with, and cheer you on as you love and lead your kids in the way of Jesus. Part of the dedication process is an opportunity for us to recognize and celebrate your family in one of our Sunday services as you mark this intentional step together. As a faith community we also want to walk alongside you as you lead your family to follow Jesus. Simply put, parent and child dedication is parents making a promise to raise their children with Jesus as the foundation of their home as you seek to live and love like him. In turn, our community promises to partner with you in that desire. It’s a special and meaningful time for families and our faith community. If you’re interested in learning more about dedication, or want to sign up for the next one, check out our page here: https://www.trinitychurchkelowna.ca/kids/
Yes! Kids can be baptized at Trinity. Typically, kids start asking questions about baptism in Grades 4 or 5. Usually this happens because they have been participating in community life here through Trinity Kids and other avenues with their family! This does not mean that they are ready to be baptized or that they should be baptized, but it’s usually when we hear more interest because they’ve seen it happen in our faith community, or a different church. Baptism is the way to show and tell others publicly that you are promising to love and follow Jesus for the rest of your life. It’s not a way to secure salvation and it can’t earn someone a place in heaven. When it comes to deciding if they’re ready, it’s important that kids are able to, on their own apart from an adult, communicate what God, through His Son Jesus has done, and what that means for them and to them.
If your child is curious about baptism, here are some conversation tips!
If you have questions, feel free to contact Jared Patterson, Pastor of Kids Ministry @ jpatterson@trinitykelowna.ca
Throughout the global Church, baptism is practiced in various ways, most commonly through immersion, pouring, or sprinkling. At Trinity, we recognize all believer’s baptisms, regardless of the mode, as a meaningful and valid expression of faith in Jesus.
While our preferred practice is baptism by immersion, following the example of Jesus and the early Church, we understand that the heart of baptism is not the method, but the message: it is a public declaration that we have died to our old selves and have been raised to new life in Christ. For all of those exploring baptism, we continue to practice immersion as the primary method.
If you were baptized as a believer by pouring, sprinkling, or immersion, we affirm your baptism as a valid response of obedience to Christ. A second baptism is not required for membership at Trinity.
However, if you were baptized as an infant and have not since made a personal declaration of faith through baptism, we would invite you to consider taking this step as an adult believer, following the example of Jesus and making your faith public through this powerful symbol of new life.
How has Jesus changed your life? We’d love to hear your story! When we share our stories and tell others about how God has been at work, we get to encourage others on their own journey. With your permission, we would love to share your story with our community!