Baptism is the public sign that someone has trusted in Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. At Harlesden Baptist Church, as in all Baptist churches, we baptise believers — adults and young people who profess their own faith — by full immersion in water.
What baptism is
Baptism is one of the two ordinances the Lord Jesus Christ gave to His Church (the other is the Lord's Supper). It is an outward act that pictures an inward reality: the believer has died with Christ and been raised with Him to walk in newness of life.
"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
It is not what saves a person — only the finished work of Christ does that — but it is the first step of obedience commanded by Jesus for those who have come to faith.
Who can be baptised at HBC?
Anyone who:
- Has personally trusted in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour
- Wishes to publicly declare their faith and follow the Lord's command
- Is old enough to understand what they are doing and to speak for themselves
There is no minimum age, but the candidate must be able to give their own testimony of faith. The Pastor and dedicated members of the diaconate will sit with each candidate to talk about their journey and help prepare them.
What about children?
We do not baptise infants. Instead, parents who wish to give thanks to God for the birth of a child may present them for a service of infant dedication, in which the congregation joins the family in prayer for the child and for their parents. The child may then choose to be baptised in due course, when they are old enough to profess faith for themselves.
What happens at a baptism service?
A baptism service at HBC usually takes place during a special Sunday service. The order of service is broadly:
- Opening worship and prayer
- A Bible reading and short message on the meaning of baptism
- Each candidate gives their testimony — a short personal account of how they came to faith in Christ
- The Pastor, assisted by a Deacon or assistant pastor, baptises each candidate in turn, by full immersion in the baptistry
- The newly-baptised are received with prayer and the blessing of the church family
A few practical things worth knowing:
- The baptism pool is located inside the church building, so the service is unaffected by weather.
- The pool is heated in readiness for each baptism, so candidates step into comfortably warm water.
- Candidates traditionally wear white — symbolising new life in Christ — though white is not mandatory. Modest clothing that can get wet is the only requirement.
- The Pastor administers the baptism with an assistant, usually a Deacon or the assistant pastor.
- Visitors are warmly welcomed to witness, and the candidate's family and friends are encouraged to come.
- It is a joyous occasion, marked by songs and praises as the church family celebrates with each new believer.
From recent baptism services at HBC
Click any photo to enlarge.
How to be baptised at HBC
- Speak to the Pastor on a Sunday morning or evening, or contact him through the Contact Us page.
- The Pastor will arrange to meet you to hear your story and answer any questions.
- A date will be set, usually coordinated with other candidates so several can be baptised on the same Sunday.
- You will be invited to prepare a short testimony to share at the service — how you came to faith in Christ, in your own words.
- On the day, bring a change of clothes and a towel. Changing space is provided inside the church.
[Editor: add any HBC-specific preparation classes, the typical timeframe from initial conversation to service, and how candidates are followed up afterwards into membership and ongoing discipleship.]
Upcoming baptism services
[Editor: list the next scheduled baptism services here, with dates and a contact name. Update after each service.]
Frequently asked questions
I was baptised as a baby. Should I be baptised again?
At HBC we hold to believer's baptism — baptism that follows personal faith in Christ. We do not regard infant baptism as the same thing the New Testament describes, although we respect the convictions of fellow Christians who hold to it. If you have come to faith and wish to be baptised as a believer, we would not call it being "rebaptised" but baptised on profession of faith. Please speak to the Pastor — he will be glad to walk through this with you.
What do I need to wear?
Candidates traditionally wear white — symbolising new life and purity in Christ — but white is not mandatory. The only requirements are that your clothing is modest and that you do not mind it getting wet. Please bring:
- What you'll wear in the water (e.g. a white T-shirt and dark shorts, or a simple white outfit)
- A change of dry clothes for afterwards
- A towel
Changing space is provided inside the church — one for sisters, one for brothers.
Can my family and friends attend?
Absolutely. Baptism is a public act before the church family and your wider family and friends. You are warmly encouraged to invite as many as you wish — this is often a wonderful witness to those who may not yet know the Lord. Visitors are always welcome to witness a baptism.
Will the water be cold?
No — the pool is heated in readiness for each baptism so that the water is at a comfortable temperature. There is nothing to fear on that score!
Does baptism make me a member of HBC?
Baptism and church membership are closely linked but not identical. At HBC, candidates for baptism are normally received into membership of the church at the same service. The Pastor will talk you through the steps before the date is set.
Bible passages about baptism
- Matthew 28:19-20 — the Great Commission
- Acts 2:38-41 — the response to Peter's sermon at Pentecost
- Acts 8:26-39 — the Ethiopian official's baptism
- Romans 6:3-4 — buried and raised with Christ
- Galatians 3:26-27 — clothed with Christ in baptism
- 1 Peter 3:21 — baptism as a pledge of a good conscience toward God
Next steps
Ready to take the next step?
Speak to the Pastor on a Sunday, or use our Contact Us page to begin the conversation. We would be delighted to walk with you through this.