Have questions about becoming a Christian?

Perhaps you don't know how to take that first step. Let us help.

Join us for Getting Started every Sunday at either 10:45am or 12:15pm in the Connections Room.

The essence of Christianity is deceptively simple — it is unconditionally surrendering to Jesus. The formal process of surrendering ourselves involves several steps.

• We believe that Jesus is Lord. This “faith” involves believing that Jesus is the unique Son of God through whom salvation is offered, and surrendering control of our life to Him.

• We repent of our sins. Repentance is more than feeling sorry for our sins — it is a turning away from sin toward God and His will.

• We confess Jesus before men. There can be no secret discipleship. We declare openly that we are followers of Jesus.         

• We are baptized. Our immersion in water is an open demonstration and declaration to the world of our acceptance of Jesus as Lord. In baptism we “die,” are “buried,” and are “raised” with Jesus.

The Bible promises that this surrender leads to God's Forgiveness of our sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. He promises that our sins will not be held against us, because they are wiped clean; and He promises that His Holy Spirit will live inside us to guide us and seal us as God’s children.

These formal steps are only the beginning. Our surrender must continue through our living a Christian life.

• We believe that baptism is a necessary step whenever someone decides to commit his or her life to Christ.

• We believe that the Bible teaches baptism, by immersion in water, to those who are old enough to make their own decision for Jesus is part of the formal process of becoming a Christian.

• We believe that the actual water doesn't necessarily do anything special - it is that God's grace is what saves us, but it is commanded by Jesus.

• We believe that baptism symbolizes two things: the washing away of sins and the "old self" being buried with the "new self" raised with Christ.

Contact our Associate Minister, Ben Webb, at [email protected].

Today I am stepping across the line. I’m tired of waffling, and I’m finished with wavering. I’ve made my choice; the verdict is in, and my decision is irrevocable. I’m going God’s way. There is no turning back. I will live the rest of my life serving God’s purposes, with God’s people, on God’s planet, for God’s glory. I will use my life to celebrate his presence, cultivate his character, participate in his family, demonstrate his love, and communicate his Word.

Since my past has been forgiven, and I have a purpose for living and a home waiting in heaven, I refuse to waste any more time or energy on shallow living, petty thinking, trivial talking, thoughtless doing, useless regretting, hurtful resenting, or faithless worrying. Instead, I will magnify God, grow to maturity, serve in ministry, and fulfill my mission in the membership of his family.

Because this life is preparation for the next, I will value worship over wealth, “we” over “me,” character over comfort, service over status, and people over possessions, position, and pleasure. I know what matters most, and I will give it all I’ve got. I will do the best I can with what I have for Jesus Christ today. I won’t be captivated by culture, manipulated by critics, motivated by praise, frustrated by problems, debilitated by temptation, or intimidated by the devil. I’ll keep running my race with my eyes on the goal, not on the sidelines or those running by me. When times get tough, and I get tired, I won’t back up, back off, back down, back out, or backslide. I’ll just keep moving forward by God’s grace. I’m Spirit-led, purpose-driven, and mission-focused, so I can’t be bought. I will not be compromised, and I shall not quit until I   finish the race.

I’m a trophy of God’s amazing grace, so I will be gracious to everyone, grateful for every day, and generous with everything that God entrusts to me. I am a radical in the original sense of the word: rooted in Christ, rooted in love, and rooted in his Word. 

 I hereby declare my supreme allegiance to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I say this: However, whenever, wherever, and whatever you ask me to do, my answer is yes! I’m ready. Anytime. Anyway. Whatever it takes! I want to be used by you in such a way that on that final day, I’ll hear you say, “Well done, good and faithful one. Come on in, and let the eternal party begin!”