Baptism at Community of Hope takes on two approaches lining up with what we understand to be the “God part” and the “Our part” in Christian baptism: Infant or child baptism and adult baptism. Below is information regarding these two areas. Also, to listen to a sermon on baptism by Pastor E. Dale Locke, please click here to visit our "church media" page for the audio.

Infant, or child baptism places emphasis upon the human dynamic within the Covenant of Holy Baptism. We see the Sacrament of Baptism expressed in this way as vital and important in two ways:

1. It is an opportunity for parents to publicly declare their own trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, and to invite the help of Christ and his church to assist in their parenting in such a way that the natural culmination of all their work, as well as their connection with and participation in the church results in the full commitment of their child as a “full and responsible member of Christ’s holy church.”

2. It is also an opportunity for parent’s to publicly invite the grace and presence of Jesus Christ to “mark their child for Christian discipleship, and to initiate them into the fellowship of Christ’s holy church.” In other words, we see Infant/Child baptism as more than a baby dedication, and less than salvation. Rather, we view it as a rite of passage Christian parents should take as a way to fully commit their child to the Lord, and invite His help along the way.

Download the Infant Baptism Form below:
Infant Baptism Form (Microsoft Word document)
Infant Baptism Form (Adobe Acrobat PDF)

Adult, or New Believer’s baptism places emphasis upon the Divine dynamic within the Covenant of Holy Baptism. We see the Sacrament of Baptism expressed in this way as vital and important in two ways:

1. Even as a the word “Sacrament” describes an act Jesus participated in, and asks His followers to do, New Believer’s baptism was required of all who placed their trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation. In this way, it is the “first act” of all who turn to Christ.

2. Secondly, at Community of Hope we see baptism as an important value in the life of the person being baptized in that they publicly declare faith and trust alone in Christ alone for salvation. In this way, we view baptism as a way to “seal” a person’s heart for salvation. In addition, we view the Sacrament of Baptism expressed in this way as an opportunity for the family and friends of the person being baptized to both witness and hear the life changing message of Jesus Christ in a way much like the early converts first witnessed and heard it in the Book of Acts.


Download the Adult Baptism Form below:
Adult Baptism Form (Microsoft Word)
Adult Baptism Form (Adobe Acrobat PDF)