A pastor prays with a man in the baptism tank at Journey Church Calgary

Next Steps · Baptism

Understanding
Baptism

What it is, and why it matters.

Get Baptized

You've decided to follow Jesus

Baptism isn't simply a religious act or a tradition. It's a public declaration that you belong to Jesus, that your old life has been left behind, and that you're walking in the new life He gives.

2 Corinthians 5:17

What baptism is

  • A physical, public act of obedience
  • Being fully submerged in water
  • Identifying with Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection
  • Declaring you'll follow Him and won't go back

What it is not

  • The same thing as salvation
  • Something that makes you a better person
  • Something you do to please others
  • Something you wait to do until you feel perfect
A joyful hug in the water after a baptism at Journey Church
Two young women celebrate in the baptism tank at Journey Church
A woman overcome with emotion moments after her baptism

I have decided ✦ — moments from baptism Sundays at Journey

Taking the step

How it works

1

Sign up

Let us know you'd like to be baptized using the form.

2

Meet a pastor

We'll connect one-on-one, hear your story, and answer your questions.

3

Get baptized

Take the step and celebrate with your Journey family.

Questions

Baptism FAQ

What actually is baptism?
The word baptism comes from the Greek baptizo, meaning to dip or fully immerse. Going under the water represents the burial of your old life, and coming up represents being raised into new life with Christ. "We were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too may live a new life." (Romans 6:4)
Does getting baptized save me?
No. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone, not through baptism. Baptism doesn't save you, cleanse you of sin on its own, or make you a better person. It's the outward confession of the change Jesus has already made on the inside, and a step of obedience He asks of every believer.
Who can be baptized?
Anyone who has personally repented of their sin and put their faith in Jesus as Lord and Saviour. At Journey we practice believer's baptism, which means it's a step you take for yourself, at any age where you can genuinely understand and make that decision on your own.
How is baptism done at Journey?
By full immersion in water, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, just as Jesus instructed (Matthew 28:19). It happens during a Sunday service so your church family can celebrate with you.
When should I get baptized?
Soon after you've decided to follow Jesus. In the Bible, people were baptized shortly after believing (Acts 2:41). You don't wait until you feel perfect or have it all together. It's a step of obedience, not a reward.
What about my kids? Can they be baptized?
We love baptizing kids and teens who have made their own genuine decision to follow Jesus and can understand what baptism means. For infants and younger children, we celebrate Child Dedication instead, where parents commit to raising their child to know and love Jesus. If you're not sure which step fits your child, reach out and a pastor would be glad to talk it through with you.
Will I have to speak in front of everyone?
Your story matters, and there's an opportunity to share what Jesus has done in your life, but you won't be forced into anything. We record your testimony ahead of time, so you can take as many takes as you need. When you connect with a pastor before your baptism, you'll walk through exactly what will happen so there are no surprises.

Ultimately, this is a decision that
demonstrates your changed life.

If you've put your trust in Jesus and haven't been baptized yet, we'd love to take this step with you.

Get Baptized