Some Common Questions & Answers

No. Being a member of Mercer Baptist or any other church does not save you or guarantee you a home in heaven. Salvation and forgiveness of sins comes when we accept or personally trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior. Jesus said this in John 14:6.

"I and the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."

While we believe church membership is a necessary step in your Spiritual life and is a part of God's will for your life - membership doesn't save you.

Many love Jesus and want to follow Him, but never really make a strong commitment to a church. We believe that being committed faithfully to a church is vital to our growth in Christ. Here's why:

1. Following Jesus is not a “Me" thing, it is a “We" thing. This means that our relationship with Jesus is supposed to be lived out in a community of other believers … a church. The New Testament is full of “one another” commands which tell us that God designed us for relationship not only with Him but with other people. (Hebrews 10:24,25)

2. The church is the best place to experience:

  • Personal spiritual growth which will mature you.
  • Fellowship which will encourage and challenge you.
  • Biblical teaching and preaching from pastors which will equip you.
  • Worship which will transform you.

3. The church is the way Jesus chose to reach the world. The church is not man's idea but God's. We believe that the New Testament teaches clearly that God's program for reaching the world with the gospel is through making disciples and planting more churches. To be involved fully in Jesus' mission to reach the world – you need a church family.

“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about 3000 souls were added onto them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, and the breaking of bread and prayers” - Acts 2:41,42

Yes. You are cordially invited and welcomed to any of our services, fellowship activities or classes. Get involved and find out for yourself what Mercer Baptist is all about!

Yes. Our church wants to minister to you where you are right now and help you get where God wants you to be.

1. You must have a personal testimony of salvation. Are you saved? Forgiven? On your way to heaven? If you have questions about this requirement, contact us and we can explain what it means to be saved.

2. You must be baptized in water. We practice complete immersion in water. Water baptism does not save you but it is a symbol of your union with Christ and your commitment to follow Him.

3. All members are encouraged to take our 101 class where we give an overview of what MBC is all about.

Here are some straightforward questions about being baptized that we pray will help you as you consider following Jesus Christ.


1. What is baptism?

  • This word means to dip, plunge or immerse.
  • Baptism pictures the death, burial & resurrection of Christ and our union with Him by faith. (Romans 6:3,4)
  • Baptism is also a public commitment to follow Jesus.

2. Who should be baptized?

  • The Bible is clear on this issue. Only those people who are capable of understanding and believing the gospel should be baptized. (Acts 2:41 / 8:12 / 10:44-46 / 18:8)

3. Why does Mercer Baptist practice complete immersion?

  • The Bible teaches this mode of baptism. (Mark 1:5 / Acts 8:36-39)
  • Jesus was baptized this way and the early church practiced this.
  • Only complete immersion in water can picture the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.

4. Does baptism save me?

  • While we believe baptism is a vital step in following Jesus, it does not save anyone. Water cannot wash away sin - only Jesus can do that. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ by faith and our commitment to follow Him and walk in newness of life.

5. Why should I be baptized?

  • Because Jesus command it! (Matthew 28:18-20)
  • Because it identifies you with Jesus publicly. It is an opportunity for you to boldly declare that Jesus is YOUR Savior!
  • Because it identifies you with God’s people - the church. After baptism, you are now ready to be a member of a church and continue your growth in Christ.

6. Need more information?

  • Baptism is not meant to be intimidating or scary - call us about taking this important step in following Christ. We can explain baptism more fully and also give you an overview of a baptismal service. 

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