Water Baptism - Bethany Church Singapore

Frequently Asked Questions

How are we to be baptised?

As Jesus was baptised by being immersed in water. The word "baptise" comes from the Greek word baptizo which means "to immerse or dip under water". "As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water." Matthew 3:16 Every baptism in the Bible was by immersion under water. The book of Acts shows us that this was the norm for every believer. (Example) "...then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him. When they came up out of the water..." Acts 8:38,39

Who should be baptised?

Every person who has made the decision to believe in Christ. When Paul writes to the believers in Rome, he assumes that all of them have been baptised (Romans 6). The one requirement for baptism is belief in Christ! "Those who accepted his message were baptised..." Acts 2:41 "But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women." Acts 8:12 We do not baptise children until they are old enough to understand and believe.

When are we to be baptised?

As soon as you have believed! You shouldn't delay. Believers in the New Testament were baptised the same day. As soon as a person decides to believe in Christ and s/he has reached the age of accountability (12 Years Old), s/he can and should be baptised. "Those who accepted his message were baptised..." Acts 2:41 "Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus. As they travelled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptised?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptised him." Acts 8:35-39

What about being baptised twice?

We recommend that you be baptised again if you have not been baptised by immersion since you became a believer. It doesn't devalue a prior experience but simply reflects your desire to be baptised in the same way Jesus was baptised.

Can a family be baptised together?

Yes! If each family member fully understands the meaning of baptism, and each one has personally placed his/her trust in Christ for salvation, we encourage families to be baptised at the same time.

Will I have to say anything?

The pastor will introduce you and will give you an opportunity to tell a bit of your story of how you came to this decision to be baptised. You will be briefly prayed for and then lowered just under the water. You will then leave the water to get changed and watch the others being baptised.

Instructions for your baptism

Baptisms are conducted monthly and are usually held at the church. It may be scheduled at each of the Celebration meetings or on a Sunday afternoon. Look out for advertisements on Water Baptism. Just prior to the baptisms the pastor will explain the meaning of baptism and show you how you will be baptised. It is important that you arrive on time to be present for the pre-baptism instructions. There is plenty of room around the baptism pool for your friends and relatives to celebrate your baptism with you.

Application For Water Baptism

For those who want to be baptized, please register yourself at church’s mini-secretariat. This baptism is only open to members of Bethany Church Singapore (BCS) who fulfill the following requirements:

• Submit baptism registration form & 2 passport sized color photographs (3x4 cm) Fill the Baptism Form
• Attend baptism counseling class held by BCS

What should I bring?

• Bathers, plain t-shirt and long pants or shorts
• Towel
• Plastic bag or something similar to take home your wet clothes
• Change of clothes (We encourage women to wear bathers with pants or shorts and a top over the bathers)