MORE THAN WATER · PART 9 OF 9
Quick answer: If you have trusted Jesus but have never been baptized as a believer, baptism is your next step. If you haven’t yet trusted Jesus, your first step is to come to Him in faith. Either way, you don’t have to take that step alone.
“Come, follow me,” Jesus said…
— Matthew 4:19
If you’ve read this far, thank you. That may sound simple, but we mean it. Reading an article about baptism doesn’t change anyone. Jesus does. Our hope has never been that this series would simply answer your questions. Our prayer has been that it would help you hear His voice a little more clearly.
Perhaps you’ve been reminded of truths you already knew. Perhaps you’ve discovered something entirely new. Perhaps you’ve wrestled with questions you’ve carried for years. Whatever brought you here, we don’t believe it was an accident. We believe God often uses ordinary moments, and ordinary articles, to quietly invite us toward our next step. Maybe that’s exactly what He’s doing in your life today.
As we’ve journeyed together, we’ve talked about water. About obedience. About discipleship. About grace. About baptism. But none of those are ultimately the point. Jesus is. Baptism matters because Jesus matters. Obedience matters because Jesus matters. Discipleship matters because Jesus matters. Every article in this series has been pointing to Him. The One who created you. The One who pursued you. The One who entered our broken world. The One who willingly went to the cross. The One who rose from the grave. The One who calls you by name. The One who says, “Follow Me.” Everything begins there.
Perhaps you’ve been reading this series and have realized something. Your question isn’t actually about baptism. Your question is about Jesus. Maybe you’ve attended church. Maybe you’ve admired Christianity from a distance. Maybe you’ve believed in God your whole life. But today you realize you’ve never personally entrusted your life to Christ.
If that’s where you are, hear this clearly: Jesus isn’t asking you to become religious. He’s inviting you into a relationship. He already knows every failure. Every regret. Every fear. Every secret. And still, He loves you.
The Bible says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Not because we’ve earned it. Because He is gracious. If you’ve never placed your faith in Jesus, you can do that today. Simply come to Him honestly. Confess your need. Trust His finished work on the cross. Receive the gift of forgiveness He freely offers. That decision will change everything. And if today becomes the day you begin following Jesus, then baptism becomes your beautiful next step.
Perhaps you’ve been a Christian for years. Maybe decades. But you’ve never been baptized as a believer. Can we lovingly ask you something? What’s keeping you from taking that step? Not to shame you. Not to pressure you. Simply to help you reflect. Has it been fear? Embarrassment? Tradition? Busyness? Uncertainty?
Whatever it is, Jesus already knows. And His invitation remains the same. “Follow Me.” Don’t let yesterday’s hesitation become tomorrow’s regret. Tremendous joy waits on the other side of simple obedience.
One of the greatest misconceptions about following Jesus is that we’re supposed to figure everything out ourselves. That’s never been God’s design. He gives us His Spirit. He gives us His Word. And He gives us His Church.
If you’re considering baptism, we would love to walk alongside you. Ask your questions. Share your story. Talk with one of our pastors. Meet with someone who’s been where you are. Join a Life Group. Begin a one-on-one discipleship relationship. You don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. In fact, you were never meant to.
If you choose to be baptized, something wonderful will happen. You’ll celebrate. We’ll celebrate. Heaven will celebrate. But then Monday morning will come. And that’s when the real adventure begins. Following Jesus isn’t one decision. It’s thousands of small decisions made over a lifetime. Choosing forgiveness. Choosing generosity. Choosing worship. Choosing community. Choosing courage. Choosing obedience. Choosing to keep saying yes.
Some days you’ll walk confidently. Other days you’ll stumble. Jesus isn’t surprised by either. The One who called you also promises to complete the work He began in you. That’s the hope of the Christian life.
If God is stirring something in your heart today, don’t ignore it. Talk with someone. Ask your questions. Pray. Reach out. Register for baptism. Tell a friend. Tell your family. Take one simple step. Because discipleship has always been lived one step at a time. And perhaps, this is yours.
This article is part of More Than Water, a series on the beauty, meaning and mission of baptism. Start with the complete guide to baptism.
Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Jesus for years, we’d love to celebrate this step with you. Register for baptism, email our pastoral team or call 952.944.6300.
Wooddale Church is a multigenerational, Bible-teaching church in Minnesota with locations in Eden Prairie, Edina and Minneapolis near the University of Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for a church near you, exploring faith for the first time or simply curious about what happens at church, we invite you to join us.
If this article has raised questions, encouraged you or helped you see baptism in a new way, we’d love to continue the conversation. Whether you’re exploring Christianity for the first time, considering baptism or simply looking for a church family where you can continue growing in your faith, we’d be honored to walk alongside you. Following Jesus was never meant to be a journey you travel alone.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
