Baptism

Jesus left two ordinances for Christians to do here on earth. They are communion and baptism. Both are reserved for people who have willingly and personally accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Baptism is an act of obedience for the believer. It is also a symbol of the believer’s identification with Jesus’ life, death and resurrection as described by Paul in Romans 6:3-4.
 
The believer testifies in baptism that he/she was in Christ when He was judged for our sin, buried with Him and raised to newness of life. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward profession. The person being baptized is communicating to those around them about what has taken place in their hearts.
 
At least twice per year at Calvary Chapel Clayton, we offer the opportunity to be baptized. Before a baptism service, we hold a short baptism class so that those being baptized fully understand the meaning of the ordinance.

If you would like to be baptized please click the Baptism Application button below to fill out a form. Please, note that you may need to wait until our next scheduled baptism.

WHY BE BAPTIZED?
Those who are baptized are following Jesus’ example and obeying His command.

"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” —Matthew 3:16–17

"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” —Matthew 28:18–20

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM?
Water baptism is a public declaration of three very important things:

1. You are a follower of Jesus Christ. "Those who accepted his message were baptized. " —Acts 2:41

2. You are beginning a changed life in Christ. "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life." —Romans 6:4

3. You are part of a new family. "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ." —Galatians 3:26–27

I HAVE ALREADY BEEN BAPTIZED. SHOULD I BE BAPTIZED AGAIN?
Your baptism should have signified you becoming a follower of Jesus, beginning a changed life, and uniting with a new family. If your baptism did not reflect this change of life, then you should be baptized again.

CAN MY CHILD BE BAPTIZED?
We will baptize anyone who has the capacity to understand their salvation by grace through faith, what baptism symbolizes, and wants to make that personal public declaration. We encourage any parents to guide your children through these decisions of faith. For any children under 12 years old, we have a conversation with them and their parents at our Baptism Class to ensure they are ready.

CAN MY INFANT BE BAPTIZED?
It is important to note that we do not baptize infants; instead we dedicate them to the Lord. Please see Baby Dedication.

WHEN IS THE BAPTISM CLASS?
First sign-up to be baptized. Once we confirm a date for the baptism, the class is typically held a few weeks prior to the baptism date. The class typically lasts about a 1-1.5 hours.