Baptism is a testimony of our belief and a symbol of our relationship with Christ. There's nothing special about the water. There's nothing magical about the act. We can go to heaven without being baptized. But Jesus asks us to do it as a testimony of what we believe...a symbol of our relationship with Him... a demonstration that we've left a former way of life to live a new life as children of God.

Matthew 28:19 (New International Version)
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

As part of the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches, we practice what is called  triune immersion.  This simply means we immerse (to plunge into or place under a liquid; dip) a person three times - once in the name of the Father, then the Son, and then again in the name of the Holy Spirit.  In this way the person getting baptized identifies with each member of the Trinity.  We allow spiritual leaders (e.g. fathers) to baptize those whom they have discipled at ENCOUNTER CHURCH believing the ordinance of baptism is not reserved only for pastors. 

Triune immersion is the symbol of baptism into the Triune God. Baptism is the symbol:
(1) of a complete cleansing,
(2) of death,
(3) of burial,
(4) of resurrection, and
(5) of entering into full union and fellowship with the Triune God as revealed by Christ.

If you are interested in baptism, the first step is to contact Sean Spoelstra 740-272-0102.  The next step is to attend a class further explaining what baptism means.  Finally, a candidate will be asked to give a short testimony on why they desire to be baptized. 

To read more about baptism at ENCOUNTER CHURCH, please visit the Welcome Center and pick of the booklet entitled Could it be Three?  It gives a detailed, historical and theological explanation of triune immersion.