About Us
Baptism
Below are some question you may be asking yourself, related to baptism. If we missed your question, give us a call or drop us an e-mail. We’d love the opportunity to chat with you about this important decision.
Is baptism important? It’s important because it provides you with the opportunity to publicly declare that you are serious about being a Jesus-follower. In a sense, your baptism is your “announcement” that you’re a believer in and follower of Jesus.
How does Hillside baptize? At Hillside, we primarily baptize through immersion. Immersion best symbolizes “death and resurrection.” In going under the water, we are symbolizing the fact that your old life of separation from God is over. When a person is raised from the water, it symbolizes the person’s “spiritual resurrection” and their intent to live a new life through their connection with God. Immersion is consistent with the passage in the Bible, Romans 6:3,4 where the writer addresses the image of being “buried and resurrected” with Jesus Christ in our baptism.
Does Hillside have an age limit on baptism? Any person who is able to verbally share their commitment to Jesus Christ can be baptized. We have baptized children as young as age 8 and adults as old as 83!
Do you ever baptize someone in private? Baptismal services are normally held as a part of a church event, normally a worship service.
Where do the baptisms take place? Some baptisms take place out doors in a lake, as a part of a Hillside gathering. Most baptisms take place in our church building, in a “baptismal pool” that is located in our worship center.
When I’m baptized, am I required to say anything? You will be asked a couple of simple questions that ask for a simple “yes” response. Many individuals will share a personal word at their baptism; perhaps a story of how they came to faith in Christ, or something special that God is showing them. Others will ask that a staff pastor read something that has been written by them.
How do I notify someone that I want to be baptized? You can call the church office and ask to speak to one of our pastoral staff team. Or, if you attend Hillside, you can simply drop us a note via your “Care and Communication Card” on a Sunday. Or, just drop us an e-mail and we’ll get back with you.