Faith Journey · First McKinney Church, Texas
An outward expression of an inward transformation and a joyful step of obedience as you follow Jesus.
Believer’s baptism at First McKinney follows a personal decision to follow Jesus and is a public declaration of faith through baptism by immersion. Adults and Students can begin by submitting a baptism interest form or visiting the Next Steps Room on Sunday to talk with someone about their faith story and baptism. Kids in fifth grade and younger begin with New U, a baptism class attended with a parent or guardian.
Baptism does not save us. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism after salvation is an important step of obedience that publicly declares your faith in Jesus and reflects the inward transformation He has already begun in your life. At First McKinney, we practice baptism by immersion as a public expression of a believer’s decision to follow Jesus.
Baptism also gives us a beautiful picture of the gospel. Going under the water represents being buried with Christ, and rising from the water points to new life in Him (Romans 6:4).
Romans 6:4
Maybe you landed here a step before baptism, still wondering what it means to follow Jesus. You’re welcome here, and your questions matter.
The Bible teaches that sin separates us from God, but Jesus gave His life for us and rose from the grave, conquering sin and death. When we repent, believe, and follow Jesus, we receive the new life that only He can give. Baptism does not create that new life. It is a step of obedience that follows a decision to trust and follow Jesus.
If you have questions about faith or want to talk with someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit the Next Steps Room on Sunday or contact our team. We would be glad to listen, answer questions, and help you understand what your next step could be.
Taking your next step toward baptism begins with a conversation. Here’s what to expect:
Begin by submitting a baptism interest form or visiting the Next Steps Room on Sunday. A pastor or minister will talk with you about your faith journey, answer your questions about baptism, and help you understand the next steps. Once you’re ready to move forward, our team will help schedule your baptism.
Kids begin with New U, a one-session baptism class attended with a parent or guardian. Together, families learn about salvation, baptism, and what these important steps mean. After New U, kids and their parents complete an eight-lesson book together at home and then meet with a First McKinney Kids minister to talk about their faith decision and next steps toward baptism.
Baptisms take place during Sunday worship. You’ll receive details ahead of time about when to arrive, where to check in, what to wear, and what to bring. Invite your friends and family to join you as you publicly declare your faith in Jesus.
Baptism is a personal decision, but it is meant to be shared. When you are baptized during Sunday worship at First McKinney, you are publicly declaring that you have chosen to follow Jesus. Your baptism celebration is an opportunity for your church family, friends, and loved ones to celebrate with you as you take this important step of obedience.
Whether you recently decided to follow Jesus or made that decision years ago, baptism is a meaningful way to share your faith story and publicly express the inward transformation Jesus has made in your life.
If you’re thinking about baptism, you don’t have to have every question answered before starting the conversation. Visit the Next Steps Room on Sunday and simply tell us, “I’m thinking about baptism.” We would be glad to hear your faith story, answer your questions, and help you understand what comes next.
You can also submit a baptism interest form anytime. For families with children in fifth grade and younger, New U provides an opportunity for kids and parents to learn together about salvation and baptism and begin the process.
We would be honored to walk with you as you take this important step of obedience and publicly declare your faith in Jesus.