If you're considering being baptized, or even just exploring what baptism is all about, you’re in the right place.

Baptism is one of the most powerful and beautiful steps you can take in your walk with Jesus. So, let’s talk about what baptism is, why it matters, and how we understand it, especially in the context of the Wesleyan Church.

First, what is baptism?

Baptism is the outward sign of inward grace. It’s a public declaration that you belong to Jesus, that you’ve trusted Him with your life, and that you’ve been made new. In the same way that you wear a wedding ring as a symbol of marriage, baptism is a symbol that we’ve been united with Christ. It represents dying to our old self, going under the water, and rising to new life, just like Jesus rose from the grave.

To learn more about Baptism, please visit the What is Baptism page and watch this video.

So, why should we be baptized?

First, because Jesus was baptized. Even though He was without sin, He chose to be baptized to set an example for us.

Second, because He actually told us to do it. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus said:

• "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit."

So, when we’re baptized, it’s an act of obedience. It’s a step of surrender, and it’s a bold way of saying, "I'm all in. I’m following Jesus."

Wesleyan Tradition

Gateway is a Wesleyan Church and baptism isn’t just symbolic, we believe it’s sacramental. That means we believe God is actively at work in it. It’s a means of grace, God’s grace reaching out to us, shaping us, and marking us as His own.

In the Wesleyan Church, we baptize believers by immersion, but we also recognize, and honour baptisms done in other Christian traditions. Why? Because baptism is about the grace of God, not just the form or the method by which it’s done.

And one more thing, we believe that baptism connects us to something much bigger than ourselves. It’s not just personal; it’s also communal. When you’re baptized, you’re baptized into the body of Christ, into a family of faith that will walk with you, encourage you, and help you grow.

So, if you’ve placed your faith in Jesus and you haven’t been baptized yet, or you want to reaffirm your childhood baptism now as an adult, this is your moment. It’s your chance to say yes to the new life God is offering. It doesn’t mean you have everything figured out. It means you’re trusting the One who does.

Here at Gateway, we’re here to walk with you, answer your questions, and celebrate this significant step with you. And if you’re ready, or even if you’re just curious, we’d love for you to let us know. We want to walk with you as you take this next step in your faith.

We’re so excited for what God is doing in your life. You are not alone, and your story of grace is just getting started.

Infant/Child Baptism

Gateway Church has no rules about baptism, except that the person has a personal relationship with Jesus and wants to raise their child(ren) in a Godly home. 

We see the baptism of a child as a beautiful expression of trust and intention on the part of parents. It is a way of saying, "We want our child to grow up knowing the love of God, and we commit to pointing them toward Jesus as they grow."

Infant/child baptism is not about salvation or having everything figured out. Rather, it is a prayerful act of dedication, acknowledging that God is already present and at work in a child’s life, and that parents desire to raise their child with faith, love, and spiritual guidance. The church comes alongside families at this moment, celebrating God’s grace and supporting parents in the journey of nurturing faith at home. Because baptism is rooted in relationship and community, being connected to a church family helps provide ongoing support, encouragement, and spiritual care for both parents and children as faith is formed over time.

The Bible speaks of God’s promises extending to believers and their children (Genesis 17:7, Acts 2:39, Proverbs 22:6), reminding us that faith is often formed over time, within relationships, and through loving example. As children grow and eventually choose to follow Jesus for themselves, they are invited to personally affirm that decision in a meaningful way later in life (i.e. usually at a baptism service at an older age to affirm their childhood baptism which was their parent's decision, but now it's their decision).

If you’re exploring baptism for your child, we would be honoured to have a conversation, answer any questions you may have, and walk with you through what this could look like. Please contact us to discuss further.