Believer’s Baptism: A Visible Entrance into the Community of Christ

by Ken Nabi, Regional President

When Jesus gave His parting words to the disciples in Matthew 28:18–20, He left a clear mandate for the mission of the church:

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”

For the church planter, this commission is not merely a theological statement—it is a strategic blueprint. The work of planting churches involves making disciples, teaching obedience, and baptizing as the first visible mark of identification with Christ and His people.

Why Believer’s Baptism by Immersion?

Baptism is not a secondary issue in church life. In fact, it is one of the clearest and earliest acts of obedience for new believers. The practice of believer’s baptism by immersion, as modeled in Scripture, represents a conscious, public declaration of faith in Jesus Christ. It symbolizes the believer’s death to sin and resurrection into new life (Romans 6:3–5).

As Converge churches, we affirm that believer’s baptism by immersion is not only the biblical mode, but also a requirement for membership. Why? Because baptism is not just a personal spiritual milestone; it’s the public act by which a disciple is recognized as part of the visible church.

As Bobby Jamieson writes in Going Public: Why Baptism is Required for Church Membership, “Baptism is where faith goes public. It’s how someone is formally and visibly enrolled as a disciple of Jesus.” (p. 24)  Jamieson asserts later in the book, “Baptism is the initiating oath-sign of the new covenant. It’s how you publicly identify as a Christian, and how a local church recognizes and affirms that you are part of the people of Christ.” (p. 47)

This theological clarity matters deeply for church planters. In a new church context, everything from core values to culture is being established. If baptism is treated as optional or delayed indefinitely, we subtly communicate that obedience to Christ’s commands is negotiable.

Baptism and the Local Church

In Acts 2:41, we see this clear progression: “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” Belief, baptism, and belonging go together.

For Converge churches, baptism is not merely a testimony—it is the God-ordained means by which believers are brought visibly into the body. Church membership is not just about signing a document or joining a group. It is about being recognized as one who has publicly confessed Christ and committed to His people.

By requiring believer’s baptism for membership, Converge churches preserve a vital link between gospel belief and visible church identity. In the early years of a church plant, this clarity helps shape a theologically grounded community that prioritizes obedience and visible discipleship.

Practical Considerations for Church Planters

Church planters are often tempted to delay or downplay baptism for various reasons: logistical hurdles, fear of turning people off, or simply the fast pace of starting a church. But neglecting baptism undermines the very mission Christ has given.

Here are five application questions for planters to consider in their first two years:

1. How do we teach a biblical view of baptism in our core team and new member processes?
   Don’t assume clarity, establish it from day one.

2. Have we clearly communicated that baptism is a required step of obedience before church membership?
   Make this visible in your membership class and materials.

3. Do we have a regular rhythm or plan for holding baptisms?
   Whether monthly, quarterly, or event-based, don’t leave it to chance.

4. Are we prepared to explain why we practice believer’s baptism by immersion?
   Equip leaders with gracious, clear biblical responses to questions from various backgrounds.

5. Have we created a culture where baptism is celebrated as a vital and joyful part of our church’s life?
   Baptisms should be front-and-center moments that reinforce gospel identity and community.

Conclusion

As a church planter, you are not just starting a ministry, you are forming a people. Believer’s baptism by immersion, rooted in Jesus’ Great Commission, is the first step in that visible formation. It is how disciples go public with their faith, and how the church publicly embraces them as family.

In a culture that often privatizes faith, baptism stands as a bold, visible act of allegiance to King Jesus and His kingdom. Establishing this practice early will help ensure that your church plant is not just growing numerically, but building obedient, visible disciples for the glory of Christ.