This page has been put up to help leaders remember what they have been shown during their 3/3 sessions about Baptism.

Baptism is one of only two ceremonies that Jesus commanded us to keep. (The other being the Lord's Supper).  There is no prescribed ritual for performing a baptism.

In scripture, the word “Baptise” comes from the original Greek word: βαπτίζω, baptizō, (Verb: pres act part masc plur nom) and means to fully immerse.  

Most people today make a public statement before getting baptised, either by answering short questions or through a short prepared statement (testimony) covering the same topics. The ceremony can be tailored to the individual's situation or culture. Personal belief in Jesus, repentance of sin, and dedication to serving Him are at the core of baptism. Below are some examples of an "SOS" study on why people should get baptized, some short questions that can be used, or a breakdown of a personal testimony. A training video will also be included later to help prepare people to get baptised and to baptise others using "MAWL".

Here are some examples of bible verses that you can do an SOS bible study on:

• Matt 28:19, Acts 2:38. (Obedience – What do you have to do?)
• Rom 6: 3-11, Acts 22:16, 2 Cor 5:17. (What story does it tell? What has already happened in your life?)
• Matt 10:32, 28:19; Acts 2:38-41. (What does it say to the people witnessing your baptism?  What does it tell people in your life that know that you were baptised? What does it say about your repentance?)
• Acts 2:38-41. (What assurance do you have that you have the Holy Spirit and you will never be alone again?)
• Acts 2:38,41; Eph 4:4-6. (What does it say about membership into the Body?)
• Matt 3:13-17. (Why do you think Jesus got baptised? What else might your baptism say about your commissioning/Recommissioning? – Does it mark a new/next phase in your life?)
• Joshua 4:1–10, 1 Samuel 7:12. (Like a wedding ring/betrothal mark what purpose might your baptism serve? Ebenezer אֶבֶן הָעֵזֶר, ʾeven haꜥezer, literally means “stone of help”.)
• Others if inclined to:  2 Pet 1:5-10, Mrk 16:16, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Galatians 3:26-28, Rom 6:4, 1 Jn 5:6-9 – Jesus’ baptism and death, making your calling and election sure, etc.)

Some example questions during the Baptism:

• Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God & part of the Trinity?
• Do you believe that Jesus came to earth & for a time lived a blameless life as a real man?
• Do you believe that He was crucified & died on a cross for your wrongs (sin) in your place?
• Have you repented of your life of sin & do you know that he has forgiven you everything?
• Do you believe that on the 3rd day after His death He rose again?
• Have you decided to follow Jesus with all you heart, soul and mind? (If applicable – Have you renounced all other gods/deities.)
• Do you declare that you will make Jesus the Lord of your life & submit to Him?
• Are you telling these witnesses that you will follow Jesus & never turn back?

A testimony should include the following elements:

1. What was your life like before you accepted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.
2. How you come to hear about Jesus.
3. What did Jesus offer you. (Covering the same basic topics of the short questions.)
4. How your life is starting to change now that you decided to follow Jesus.

A video of a 3/3 training session will be added here soon.