Baptism
Say it loud.
Being baptized means you’ve decided to accept and follow Jesus, and are ready to declare that decision publicly. Baptism is kind of like a wedding ring: it’s an outward symbol of an inward commitment to something bigger than oneself. It shows we identify with Christ’s death and resurrection into new life.
If you are ready to be baptized or have questions, we’re here to answer. Download the Infant Baptism and Dedication Packet, Kids’ Club Baptism Packet or the Adult Baptism Guide for details. For info about the next scheduled baptisms or to get more answers, email Mark Liegel about adult baptisms, or Jean Laskey about Kids’ Club or infant baptisms/dedications. If you’ve already reviewed the Adult Baptism Guide and are ready to be baptized, fill out your story to sign up for baptism.
Current Schedule
The next Adult Baptism will at the Last Wednesday service in Oakley on October 27 at 7pm. Sign up is required. The registration deadline is October 15.
Your decision to be baptized is one of the most important decisions of your life, second only to your decision to follow Christ. If you’re ready to start the adult baptism process, download the Adult Baptism Guide and fill out your story to sign up. You’ll also want to attend a Baptism Information Session. These sessions will prepare you for baptism and provide you with valuable information about the next celebration. Sessions will be offered August 29, September 12 and October 10 at Crossroads Oakley. To sign up for a session, please email us, and include your name, email address, phone number and date you wish to attend.
Next Infant Baptism/Dedication: September 19 at 1:15pm (registration deadline is August 29)
Next Kids’ Club Baptism:
Oakley: Saturday, September 25, 3-4:30pm (registration deadline is August 29)
FAQs
Who can baptize me?
Anyone you want, provided that person is a Christ-follower who has already been baptized (whether that’s family, a friend, a serving team leader or a baptism staff member).
How many adult baptisms are there each year?
We have two large baptisms each year, during our Last Wednesday services, and another open-call baptism annually during weekend services.
Will I get wet?
You better believe it. We baptize via full water immersion, unless we’re baptizing infants or someone with physical or health limitations.
What should I wear?
Dark clothes, and something dry to change into.
What if I’ve been baptized before?
Many people are baptized as infants or as young children, as an act of faith by their parents. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with that,because baptism represents a commitment to Jesus Christ, it’s a decision that people must make for themselves. So, if you were baptized when you were too young to have made the decision yourself, or you did it because everyone else in the youth group was doing it, then go for it. If you’re wondering if it “took” when you got baptized at the last Crossroads baptism, it doesn’t wash off, and you’re probably good.
Do I have to be baptized at Crossroads?
Nope. You can be baptized anywhere there’s enough water to get dunked; a swimming pool, a lake, even the Ohio River if you’re brave. Please note that Crossroads staff cannot accommodate off-site baptisms.
Last Wednesday Baptisms
These public baptisms happen during Last Wednesday, a monthly event which falls on the final Wednesday of each month. Last Wednesday services include worship and sometimes communion, and typically include anywhere from 10 to 50 people being baptized in front of those in attendance. Generally, we will offer two of these services per year, and there is a limited number of participants accepted for each service. Registration and attendance of a Baptism Preparation meeting is required for participation in a Last Wednesday Baptism.
