Baptism

Where & When Is the Baptismal Service?

Unless otherwise instructed, we generally conduct Baptismal Services on a Sunday afternoon at 5:00 PM at the Pickens County YMCA, located at 2223 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671. You will need to be at the baptismal site 15 minutes early.

The YMCA's phone number is (864) 878-8380. Please arrive no later than 4:45 PM. We will begin the service promptly at 5:00 p.m.

Can I Invite Friends and Family Members?

Yes. In fact, as part of your testimony, we encourage you to invite your friends, family members, co-workers, etc. to share in this public expression of your commitment to Christ. Please encourage all attendees to also arrive by 4:45.

What Do I Wear?

Wear to the baptismal site the clothing that you are to be baptized in. Ladies may wear a bathing suit under their clothes, if they like. Men are welcome to wear bathing suit trunks. Swim wear is not required, but clothing items should not be revealing when wet. Please indicate to the pastor if you have a fear of water.

What Should I Bring With Me?

Listed below are some of items that you will need:

• Two large towels, you will be given one as you leave the water
• One large plastic trash bag for your wet clothing
• A complete change of clothing
• Hairdryer, hairbrush

Why Should I Be Baptized?

Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even until the end of the world.”

In this verse of scripture, Jesus commands us to do three things:

1. Disciple the world
2. Baptize believers in water
3. Teach His commandments to His followers

We baptize in water for two reasons:

1. Baptism is a command from the Lord to be obeyed.
2. Baptism is a public expression of the believer’s commitment to the ministry of Jesus Christ.

Water baptism is an outward demonstration of an inward work done by the Holy Spirit.

Who Should I Contact About Being Baptized?

You should contact one of the Pastors about your desire to be baptized along with any questions you may have. Some dates will be shared with you as to when the next Baptismal Services are scheduled and in which service you would like to be included.

What Can I Expect During the Baptismal Service?

The officiating pastor will lay you back in the water and when he/she does, it represents your faith in the death and burial of Jesus Christ. Then he/she will help you back to the surface of the water, which represents your faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. As you exit the water, it represents that you are publicly declaring that you are walking in the newness of life.

When the officiating pastor leans you back in the water, you will be instructed to bend your knees and hold your nose. You will not be dropped and you will be pulled immediately back out of the water.