Baptism Weekend

2025-06-22
Message Summary

Baptism is one of the most powerful moments in a believer's life — not because of the water, but because of what it declares. It is a public statement that says: I have died to my old life, and I have risen into a new one with Jesus. This weekend we explore what baptism really means, why it matters, and why stepping into those waters is one of the most courageous and transformative acts of faith any follower of Christ can take.

Discussion Guide

Talk about it

Youth5 questions

Baptism is one of the boldest things you can do as a teenager — standing up in front of everyone and saying 'I'm with Jesus.' It's about knowing who you are and not being ashamed of it. Whether you've been baptised or are still thinking about it, this week is a chance to dig into what your faith actually means to you and what kind of person you want to become.

  1. If you had to explain baptism to a mate who had never heard of it before, what would you say?
  2. What's one thing about your 'old self' — old habits, old ways of thinking — that you'd want to leave behind if you went under that water?
  3. Jesus was baptised publicly, in front of a crowd. Does the idea of going public with your faith feel scary or exciting? Why?
  4. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says you're a 'new creation' in Christ. What do you think that actually looks like in your day-to-day life at school or with friends?
  5. Is there anything stopping you from being baptised, or from living more openly as a Christian? What would it take to get past that?
Young Adults5 questions

Your twenties and thirties are full of defining moments — new jobs, new cities, new relationships, big decisions. Baptism speaks right into that season, because it's fundamentally about identity. When you know who you are in Christ, you stop making decisions from a place of fear or people-pleasing and start living from a place of security and purpose. Whether you've been baptised or not, this is a great week to re-anchor yourself in what's actually true about you.

  1. How much does your faith actually shape the day-to-day decisions you make — career, relationships, how you spend your time?
  2. Baptism is a public declaration of faith. In a culture that's becoming increasingly post-Christian, what does it feel like to publicly identify as a Christian? Is there a cost to that for you?
  3. Romans 6:4 talks about walking in 'newness of life.' What would it look like for you to more fully live as the 'new creation' you already are in Christ?
  4. Is there an area of your life where you're still living as the old version of yourself — habits, mindsets, or patterns you know don't line up with who you are in Jesus?
  5. Who in your life knows about your faith? Is there someone you could have a more honest conversation with about what Jesus means to you?
Families6 questions

Baptism is a profound moment to share as a family. Whether your kids are watching someone get baptised for the first time, or you're reflecting on your own baptism story, this weekend is a powerful opportunity to have real conversations at home about faith, identity, and what it means to follow Jesus together. The things we celebrate and talk about at home shape what our kids believe about God.

  1. Have you shared your own baptism story with your kids? If so, what did you tell them? If not, what would you want them to know?
  2. How do you create space at home for faith conversations that feel natural rather than forced?
  3. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says the old is gone and the new has come. As a parent, how do you model what it looks like to leave behind old patterns and live as a new creation?
  4. If your child asked you today, 'What does it mean to follow Jesus?', what would you say?
  5. Baptism is a community event — the whole church celebrates together. How are you helping your family feel connected to and rooted in your church community?
  6. Is there a next step in faith that your family could take together — whether that's baptism, a small group, or serving together?
Singles5 questions

Baptism is a deeply personal act — and as someone navigating life on your own terms, there's something uniquely powerful about standing before your community and declaring your identity in Christ. Your faith isn't dependent on a relationship status, a certain stage of life, or fitting a particular mould. You are a new creation, fully known and fully loved, right now.

  1. How does knowing you are a 'new creation' in Christ affect the way you see yourself — especially on the days when life feels uncertain or lonely?
  2. Baptism is a public declaration. Is your faith something that others in your life — workmates, friends, family — actually know about? Why or why not?
  3. What does community mean to you in this season of life? How does your church community support your faith journey?
  4. Is there something from your 'old life' that you're still carrying, even though Jesus has already dealt with it? What would it look like to truly leave it behind?
  5. What does it look like for you to live out your faith boldly as an individual — not waiting for a different season or circumstance, but right now?
Men5 questions

Baptism is an act of courageous, public commitment — and that resonates deeply with what it means to lead with integrity as a man. Going public with your faith takes guts. It means being known, being accountable, and refusing to keep your relationship with Jesus a private, compartmentalised thing. This week is a chance to ask yourself: am I living in the fullness of who God says I am, or am I still holding back?

  1. When you think about your own faith journey, would you say you're fully 'in' — or is there still a part of your life you haven't fully surrendered to Jesus?
  2. Baptism involves being known publicly. How transparent are you with other men about your faith, your struggles, and your walk with God?
  3. Romans 6:4 talks about rising to walk in newness of life. In what area of your life do you most need to walk in that resurrection power right now?
  4. What does it look like for you to lead spiritually — at home, at work, or in your friendships? Is that something you're actively doing?
  5. Who are the men in your life who hold you accountable and encourage your faith? If that's lacking, what's one step you could take to change that?
Women5 questions

Baptism is a declaration of identity — and women often carry the weight of others' expectations, past hurts, and self-doubt in ways that quietly erode their sense of who they really are. This weekend is a reminder that in Christ, your identity is not defined by what you've done, what's been done to you, or what anyone else thinks of you. You are a new creation — chosen, loved, and free.

  1. What words or labels have defined you in the past that you know don't reflect who God says you are? How do you work to replace those with truth?
  2. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says the old has gone and the new is here. What does the 'new you' in Christ look like, and how does that show up in your everyday life?
  3. Baptism is done in community — it's never a solo act. How important is your community of women in your faith journey, and are you investing in those relationships?
  4. Is there a part of your past that you haven't fully allowed God to redeem? What might it look like to symbolically 'leave it in the water'?
  5. How do you encourage other women in your life — especially those who may be on the edges of faith — toward Jesus?
Connect Together6 questions

For those of us who have walked with Jesus for many years, baptism weekend is a rich opportunity to remember our own story — the moment we said yes, and everything that has unfolded since. It's also a chance to reflect on the legacy we are building, and the role we play in cheering on the next generation as they take their own steps of faith. Your testimony matters. Your presence in this community matters. And the God who raised Jesus from the dead is still at work in you.

  1. Take a moment to reflect on your own baptism. What do you remember about that day, and what has your journey with Jesus looked like since then?
  2. As you've watched others be baptised over the years, what has that meant to you? How has being part of a community of faith shaped who you are?
  3. Romans 6:5 speaks of being united with Christ in resurrection. In the seasons of loss, difficulty, or change you've walked through, how have you experienced that resurrection power personally?
  4. What is the most important thing about your faith that you want to pass on to the next generation — whether that's your family, or younger people in the church?
  5. How are you investing in the faith of others right now? Is there someone in your life who would benefit from your wisdom, your story, or your encouragement?
  6. What does it mean to you, at this stage of life, to still be growing in your faith? Is there something God is still stirring in you?
New to Church?

Welcome — we're so glad you're here today. Baptism weekend is one of our favourite Sundays of the year, and it's a great day to visit. You might be wondering what exactly is going on when someone gets dunked in the water up front! Basically, baptism is a person's public way of saying: "I've decided to follow Jesus, and I want everyone to know." It's not a magical ritual — it's more like a wedding ring. The ring doesn't make you married, but it's a visible symbol of a real commitment. Today you'll see people take that step, and we think it's one of the most moving and joyful things you can witness. No pressure, no expectations — just come as you are and enjoy being part of the celebration.

Related Verses

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:5

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Matthew 3:16-17

As soon as Jesus was baptised, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'

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