We are so glad that you are considering baptism!

On behalf of the family of believers here at Cherry Hills Community Church, we want to encourage you in the decision you are making to be baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! This is an important decision for a variety of reasons and, hopefully, the information listed below will be helpful to you. If, after reading the following material, you still have questions or concerns, please call Pastor Mike Anderson 303.325.8221 or any other pastor on staff familiar to you. They will be glad to talk or meet with you.

Baptism is one of two sacraments (i.e., an important practice, sacred pledge) instituted by Christ that symbolizes the truth and grace of His message. This act of obedience that you are considering is both for you, the believer, and the building of His church.

"By the act of baptism, a person becomes a part of the visible Church, for it is a sign and a seal of the Covenant of Grace for believers and their children. As a sign it proclaims God's forgiveness and our redemption in Jesus Christ. As a seal, God marks us as adopted children of our heavenly Father. It indicates our en-grafting into Christ, our rebirth, the remission of sins and our ability by the power of the Spirit to walk in newness of life. This sacrament is to be continued by God's people until the end of the world" (The Book of Order, The Evangelical Presbyterian Church).

In simple terms, baptism reminds us of what Jesus did for us. He was killed and buried (going under the water), but came up out of his tomb and was made alive again (coming up out of the water). Baptism also demonstrates what God has done in our lives. When you ask Jesus into your heart, you too “die” to your old sinful self. You bury the old self, but you don’t stay dead. You are made clean. You are “born again!” You get a new start in life because God has forgiven all your sins and given you a new heartfelt desire to love and follow him (Romans 6:3,4).

So when you are baptized, you are both remembering and celebrating what Jesus did for all of us in giving his life and what Jesus has done in your life when you accepted him into your heart.

First, baptism shows that you want to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus was baptized not because he had his sins forgiven. He is perfect. Jesus was baptized, in part, as an example for us. Secondly, Jesus commanded that his followers be baptized (Matt. 28:19). So, when you choose to be baptized, you are also being obedient. Thirdly, by being baptized you are showing your family, friends and the world that you have chosen to follow Christ. You are not ashamed of Christ or of being a Christian, instead you are glad to be counted as one of his followers. Fourthly, baptism is the sign of the “new covenant,” God’s promise to save his people, the church. When you are baptized, you are not only identifying yourself with Jesus, but also with the rest of the people he has saved. Baptism shows your commitment to Jesus Christ and the church.

And lastly, no one becomes a Christian or reserves a spot in heaven by being baptized. Neither are you condemned to hell if you are not baptized. Baptism is a symbol of what God has already done in your life through faith in Jesus Christ.

The biblical references to baptism do not demand a particular method of “washing” or “washing over.” Throughout church history, the three accepted methods of baptism have been immersion, dipping and sprinkling. All three of these methods are consistent with the meanings of the word “baptize.” The value of the sacrament of baptism is in the life and heart of the believer, not in the amount of water used. We believe that the method is a minor issue and therefore leave that decision to the individual. For many older children and adults, immersion is preferred simply because the whole body experience more substantially expresses the symbolism of death and resurrection in Christ.

Child baptism is a sacrament of the church that recognizes the parents' intention to raise their child in the faith and instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ, with the hope that the symbolism of baptism will one day prove true in the soul of the child. This sacrament also affirms the congregation's responsibility to be a supportive community of faith. In recognizing the redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Romans 6:3,4) infant baptism trusts that through the faith of the parents and the presence of the Holy Spirit, children will be sealed in God until the day they personally accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Child dedication is a celebration of the church that recognizes many of the same things as child baptism, while placing greater emphasis on the child's decision to receive Christ and to be baptized when he or she is old enough to understand what that means.

Here at Cherry Hills we honor both traditions. Perhaps for spiritual or family reasons, different people will be drawn to one or the other. When considering the choice, keep in mind that the significance of this milestone comes through the decision to faithfully dedicate one's life to the Lord Jesus Christ.

We welcome participation in baptism for those age five years or older who accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are ready to confess their faith. To prepare for a meaningful experience, we encourage all participants to meet with a pastor or attend one of several class options or pre-baptism events.

We conduct baptisms and child dedications during Sunday morning worship services three times a year. We also offer semi-private dedication and baptism services for up to 12 families at a time in the Chapel. These are typically offered once a month on Sundays from 12 - 1 p.m. Additionally, we conduct an annual Immersion Baptism service at Cherry Creek Reservoir in August for followers of Christ who are ready and willing to make a public confession of their faith.

For baptism or dedication of a child age four years or younger, we require that one or both parents or grandparents be registered as official members of the church as a result of completing our Discovery Class, which is offered several times each year.

Anyone five years and older who knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and are ready to confess their faith, may be baptized at Cherry Hills Community Church. We encourage all participants to then meet with a pastor, attend a specific class through Jr. High or Children's Ministry, or the Family Baptism Celebration Night.

If you are not a member and your child is under five years of age, you must attend a Discovery Class for membership prior to the baptism/dedication date. Click here to find our more information about church membership.

This baptism is for anyone who has made a conscious decision to accept Jesus Christ into their life as Lord and Savior and who is willing to demonstrate this before God, His church and the world that their soul’s desire is to live for Christ. If you are of the age (we suggest no younger than 5) and maturity to understand the commitment you are making and willing to respond when asked, “Who is your Lord and Savior?” By answering, “Jesus Christ”, we wholeheartedly encourage you to participate!

The following is a summary of the process as described by the conference of Evangelical Presbyterian Churches to which CHCC belongs:

• “The recipient shall make affirmative response in professing faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, affirming intention to walk in newness of life as one of those who have given their names to Christ. The recipient shall further affirm faithfulness and support of the Church and of the particular church" (E.P.C.).

Baptism is not a secret ritual. It is a public event and a celebration. Feel free to invite your friends and family to attend.

For some people baptism is an emotional time, where they feel overwhelmed with God’s Spirit and His love. For other people it serves more as an important marker in their lives, a point in time they can look back on to remind themselves of what God has done in their lives. Invite God to use this experience to touch your heart and mind in ways that will bless you, remind you that He is in your heart, and help make you the person He wants you to be. (And don’t forget to bring a towel and some dry clothes.)

Children younger than five are encouraged to wait until they can better grasp the significance of baptism. However, sometimes older children also may not be ready to take this step in their faith. No matter what the age, talk with your child and pray for God’s discernment as to their readiness. Look for a basic understanding of the gospel message (i.e., God loves us, sending his son Jesus to take the punishment for our sins; we receive the gift of forgiveness and salvation when we admit our sins and give our hearts and lives to him) and a desire to now love and follow God and His son Jesus Christ.

Baptism symbolizes Christ's death and resurrection, and our union with him through our own "death and resurrection."
 - Colossians 2: 11,12; 3:3; Romans 6:5

"Baptism is a reminder that we are free from sin and able to live a new life."
 - Romans 6:4.                         

Baptism is a symbolic representation of a spiritual reality (i.e., an outward sign of an inward grace).  "You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ"
 - Galatians 3:26,27

Additional scripture:

• Romans 6: 1-4
• Matthew 3:13-15
• Acts 2: 36-4
• I Peter 3:18-22

The following questions may help you in preparing for sharing your testimony:

• When and how did you become a Christian?
• Who, besides the work of the Holy Spirit, most influenced you to become a Believer?
• What has mostly motivated you to get baptized at this time?