Baptism
at Genesis
A meaningful step in the life of faith.
What is baptism?
Baptism is an important part of the Christian journey. It marks the beginning of life in Christ and serves as a visible sign of our identity as part of the Body of Christ.
At Genesis, we understand baptism as sacramental in nature — meaning that it is more than a symbol alone. It carries with it a connection to, and an encounter with, God.
Christians have understood the meaning of baptism in different ways throughout the life of the Church. Some emphasize baptism as a person’s response to the gospel, while others emphasize God’s covenantal action and grace. At Genesis, we make room for both perspectives while affirming the deep importance of baptism in the life of faith.
Two Ways Christians Understand Baptism
Baptism as Commitment
For those who understand baptism primarily as commitment, baptism is a person’s response to the gospel.
In this view, baptism is for those who are able to understand what Jesus has done for them and respond in faith. Through baptism, a person confesses sin, professes faith, receives God’s grace, and publicly commits to following Christ.
Baptism is therefore understood as an outward act that reflects an inward reality — a visible expression of faith already taking root in a person’s life.
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Baptism as Covenant
For those who understand baptism primarily through the lens of covenant, the emphasis rests less on a person’s level of understanding and more on God’s action and grace.
In this view, baptism is a spiritual marker of belonging to the people of God. It points to what God has done, what God is doing, and what God will continue to do in a person’s life, continually calling them to live faithfully in response to grace.
Because the emphasis is on God’s covenantal work, baptism is understood as a one-time event. This perspective can also include the baptism of children as a way of marking them within the covenant community in anticipation of a future personal response to faith.
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What Genesis Believes
At Genesis, we believe baptism is deeply important in the life of every believer. It is not the act of baptism itself that saves us, and we reject the idea that a person cannot be saved apart from baptism.
At the same time, we do not treat baptism as optional or insignificant. We believe every follower of Jesus should be baptized when the opportunity is available.
Even within the different ways Christians understand baptism, there is shared ground: baptism marks life in Christ, connects us to the Body of Christ, and invites us to remember who we are as people shaped by the grace of God.
Baptism & Membership
At Genesis, baptism and membership are closely connected.
Baptism is one of the first visible signs of a person’s commitment to follow Christ, and it is part of the membership process at Genesis. We also believe baptism is not meant to stand apart from Christian community. When we are baptized, we are baptized into the Body of Christ — into a life of faith that is lived alongside other believers.
Because of this, baptism at Genesis is understood not only as a personal step of faith, but also as a step into deeper connection, responsibility, and belonging within the life of the church.
If you are interested in membership and have not yet been baptized, we can walk through both steps with you.
Baptism
FAQ
What if I’ve already been baptized?
If you have already been baptized in another Christian church, Genesis generally recognizes that baptism as valid. We believe God’s work in a person’s life often begins long before they become part of our fellowship, and we want to honor that story.
This includes infant baptism. If you were baptized as a child, you do not need to be baptized again in order to become a member at Genesis. If you personally desire baptism later as an adult profession of faith, we are glad to talk with you about what that could look like.
What about children?
At Genesis, we practice baby dedication rather than infant baptism.
During a dedication, parents make vows to raise their child in the life of faith, and both the parents and child are anointed with oil as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s work in their lives.
Our hope is to surround children with a community that will help guide them toward a future personal response to Christ.
How does Genesis baptize?
Genesis offers baptism by both immersion and pouring.
We recognize that Christians have different traditions and preferences regarding the method of baptism, and we do not believe one method is more valid or spiritually significant than the other.
Baptism is meaningful because of what it represents and the faith in which it is received, not because of the particular method used.
Baptism Renewal
For those who have already been baptized, there may be seasons when it is meaningful to intentionally remember and reaffirm what baptism represents.
Baptismal renewal offers a way to return to the waters of baptism as a reminder of your identity in Christ and your ongoing commitment to live faithfully in response to God’s grace.
This is not a second baptism, but an opportunity to mark a significant moment in your spiritual journey and renew the promises connected to your life in Christ.
Ready to take the plunge?
If you’re considering baptism or baptismal renewal, we’d love to hear your story, answer your questions, and help you discern the next step.