Water baptism is a joyful step of obedience for anyone who follows Jesus. It’s a public declaration of faith and something Jesus calls his disciples to do (Matthew 28:19–20). Baptism is something we do once, as an outward sign of an inward faith.

We practise baptism by full immersion. Going under the water reminds us that we’ve died to our old life, and coming back up points to the new life we now have in Jesus (Romans 6:3–4).

The key requirement for baptism is belief in Jesus and a personal profession of faith. Because baptism is closely connected to ongoing discipleship, we normally baptise people who have been part of Grace Church for at least a little while and are known to us relationally.

If you’re part of another local church, we’d encourage you to explore baptism there first. If you’re not part of a church at all – or if full-immersion baptism isn’t practised where you are – you’re very welcome to explore baptism with us. We’re also happy to help you connect with a church nearer to you who may be able to help.

We don’t baptise babies or very young children. For children who are old enough to understand baptism and have personally professed faith in Jesus, we’ll meet with them and their parents or carers to make sure we have consent from someone with parental responsibility before we go any further.