Baptism at Yates Baptist Church — rising into new life

A Joyful Yes. A Life Together.

Enter the water. Step into the story. Belong to something that lasts.

Baptism

What it means, what we believe, and how to take your next step.

What Baptism Means

Baptism is how we say yes to the grace of Jesus Christ. At Yates, we baptize believers by immersion — an outward sign of inward transformation. It is a declaration of faith, a step of obedience, and a visible witness of new life in Christ.

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death… that we too may live a new life.”
— Romans 6:4

Rooted in Faith. Immersed in Grace.

Baptists practice believer's baptism — when a person makes a personal profession of faith. It is a joyful, public moment of covenant commitment to Jesus and to the local church.

We honor infant baptism as a meaningful beginning.
To join Yates, we invite believer's baptism by immersion.
We'll walk with you in prayer and preparation.

See how baptism relates to membership →

Devotional Guide

Dying, Burying, Rising with Christ

A short devotional to help you prepare, reflect, and pray as you move toward baptism. Read it on your own or work through it with your pastor.

Open PDF

Ready for Baptism?

Pray & reflect — Listen for the Spirit’s leading.
Talk with Pastor Christopher — Let us walk with you through your story and answer questions.
Declare your decision — Join the church in worship and make your commitment public.
Schedule your baptism — We’ll prepare together for that Sunday.
Celebrate together — Step into the water in worship, surrounded by your church.

Ready to talk? Use the form below or email Pastor Christopher directly: christopher@yateschurch.org

Frequently Asked

Why does Yates baptize by immersion?

Immersion pictures dying and rising with Christ — the pattern of new life Romans 6 describes. Going under the water represents death to the old life; coming up represents resurrection into new life in Jesus.

What if I was baptized as a child or infant?

We honor that beginning. Infant baptism is a meaningful practice in many traditions. At Yates, believer's baptism by immersion is how we practice entry into membership — but we hold this with care and are glad to talk it through with you.

Is re-baptism ever appropriate?

Let's talk. We value conscience and clarity. Re-baptism can be a meaningful step when someone's first baptism was not connected to a personal profession of faith. We want to understand your story before giving guidance.

Can my child or youth be baptized?

Yes — when they profess faith in Jesus. We'll meet with the family and walk through readiness together. There's no minimum age, but we want to make sure the decision is genuinely theirs.

Resources

Membership at Yates

What belonging here looks like — and everything you need to know before your first Sunday.

A Covenant Worth Living

Membership at Yates is about belonging — deeply, intentionally, and joyfully. We are becoming a growing community alive with Christ, energized to share the transforming love of God. Your yes to Jesus is the heartbeat of that vision.

Ready to plant deeper roots in faith, community, and purpose?

I’m Ready to Join

Congregation members greeting one another at Yates Baptist Church

First, We Say Yes to Jesus

Membership at Yates begins with something deeper than joining a church. It begins with a personal yes to Jesus. We trust his grace, receive his forgiveness, and commit to follow him. Baptism becomes our visible response to that grace. Membership is how we live it out in community.

“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.”
— 1 Corinthians 12:12

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them… and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
— Matthew 28:19–20

What Do You Mean by Covenant?

When you join most organizations, you sign a form or pay dues. The church is different. Christians use the language of covenant because our belonging is rooted in God's promises and our response to them. A covenant is not a transaction — it is a shared commitment to walk with God and with one another in love, prayer, forgiveness, and service.

Baptists especially lean on this language because we believe the church is not held together by paperwork, but by the Spirit of God who makes us one body in Christ.

“We agree, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the further enrichment of this church in knowledge, holiness, faith, and unity; to sustain its worship, study, witness, and fellowship; and to be faithful stewards of our time, abilities, influence, and resources.”
— Yates Baptist Church Covenant

Download the Covenant (PDF)

How to Become a Member

Worship with us — online or in person. No obligation. Just come.
Respond during worship — come forward during the final hymn, or let an usher know. We’ll meet you where you are.
Share your next step:
- Profession of faith and baptism — your public yes to Jesus.
- Transfer of membership — if you come from another Baptist church.
- Statement of faith and baptism — if you've been baptized but no letter is available.
Meet with a pastor — a conversation helps us hear your story and answer questions.

Prefer to talk first? Email Pastor Christopher — a short conversation can help you discern timing and next steps.

What Happens After You Join

Baptism

If you haven't been baptized as a believer, we'll schedule this important step and invite you to use the Preparing for Baptism devotional as a guide.

Deacon Mentor

Each new member is paired with a deacon mentor for one year. Your mentor will bring a New Member Packet, meet with you at least twice, and walk alongside you as you settle in.

New Member Packet

A simple guide to Yates's ministries, groups, and opportunities — everything you need to find where you fit.

Realm Access

Membership gives you access to Realm — our online hub for groups, events, giving, and directory.

What About Watchcare?

If you're not ready for full membership but want to be under the spiritual care of this congregation, you may request Watchcare. Watchcare members share in worship, learning, and fellowship, but they do not vote or serve as deacons.

Ask at the church office or reach out to Pastor Christopher to learn more.

Ready When You Are

If you sense a nudge to belong, we are ready to walk with you. No obligation — just let us know and we'll send a simple welcome note.