Baptism Guide

Guide for Water Baptism

Now that you have been born again and watched the video with Pastor David Ham explaining the significance of Water Baptism, here’s a guide to performing the water baptism. Some steps require advance preparation. If you have any questions contact us at baptism@tsc.nyc.

Prepare for Water Baptism

You will need two people to help you. A friend or family member who is a born-again Christian, to facilitate the baptism, and another friend to document by taking photos or video. Any believer can baptize another believer (Matthew 28:19). No other credentials are required for performing a water baptism beyond faith in Jesus Christ. If you cannot identify someone, send an email to baptism@tsc.nyc and we will find someone to help you online via Zoom or Skype.
Choose a location for the water baptism. The baptism can be performed in any standing body of water such as the ocean, a pool, a river, a lake, or at home using the bathtub or shower. If there is any physical impediment or logistical difficulties with a full immersion, pouring or sprinkling water over the head is okay.
Wear comfortable clothes like a t-shirt and shorts, loose dress, or robe. Make sure your clothing is thick or dark enough so it will not become see-through after getting wet. If you wear loose clothing, make sure it stays down and provides sufficient covering throughout the water baptism process.
Have towels handy for both you and the person helping you—you’re going to get wet!

Perform the Baptism

Gather your supplies:
- Get the towels
- Dress in your baptism clothes
- Have the phone and/or camera ready
- Have a copy of the three questions of faith and benediction
Get the water ready:
- Fill the tub or jar of water
- Go to the lake or ocean
Step into the water (full-immersion only) and have the friend or family documenting this event start taking photos or video.
Your friend or family member will ask the following questions. After each question, answer “Yes” or “I do”.
- Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God?
- Do you believe that He died and was raised to life?
- Do you accept Him as your Lord and Savior?
Get in position. Cross yours arms over your chest to facilitate the immersion process. Plug your nose to avoid getting water in it if the baptism is by full immersion.
For the facilitator:
- Place one arm around their back and one hand on their crossed arms.
  Gently lower the person backwards into the water until their body is all the way under.
- If the person is small, their feet may come up off of the ground when they are fully submerged.
- Recite this benediction: {Insert Name} I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
- If it is easier for both of you, let the person bend their knees.
- You may hold the person under the water for one or two seconds.
- Raise the person up out of the water with your lower hand. You’ll need their help in most cases, so the person should try to stand up as you lift them. If they seem to be stuck in the water, place both of your hands under their arms to lift them up.
To show them the love of Christ and illustrate their new status as part of God’s family, give the person a hug before you leave the water.

Celebrate Your Baptism!

You may want to have a special treat prepared to celebrate. This is an exciting moment for you.

Thank God for his faithfulness and keeping power. Water baptism is so simple but so profound. It’s a supernatural act of obedience that will change your life!

We want to celebrate with you!

Send us Your Baptism Video:

Send your video via WeTransfer from your phone or computer to baptism@tsc.nyc. WeTransfer is free up to 2 GB and is easy to use. Just follow the prompts and include the following in the message:
- Your first name
- Your last name
- Where you live (city, state, and country)

If you have any questions, send us an email at baptism@tsc.nyc.