Preparing for Baptism: Your Story

The Gospel Story

You're getting ready for one of the biggest moments of your life: baptism. Before you step into the water, we want to make sure of one thing — that you know the story you are stepping into. Not church words. The actual story: what God made, what went wrong, what Jesus did, and where you are in it.

The whole thing can be drawn with three circles. People have sketched it on napkins, whiteboards, and the back of receipts all over the world. Today you get to walk through it yourself — one step at a time. Use the buttons (or swipe on your phone) to build the diagram. Read each step at the bottom as it appears. You can always go back.

The 3 Circles is a tool from the North American Mission Board’s Send Network, used with gratitude. Walk through every step above to unlock the next part.

Where Are You in This Story?

This is the most important question in this whole course. Baptism is for people who have already crossed the Repent & Believe bridge — it celebrates something real that has happened in you. So be completely honest here. There is no wrong answer, and no one is grading you.

Looking at the diagram: where are you right now? Have you crossed the Repent & Believe bridge — turned from running your own life and put your trust in Jesus? Tell that part of your story: when and how it happened. (And if you’re honestly not sure you’ve crossed yet, say that — it’s the best possible thing to talk through with your pastor or leader before baptism day.)

If you know when you trusted Jesus, write it down — even roughly ("summer of 2024," "when I was fourteen," "at camp last year"). That’s your spiritual birthday.

Ready to Cross? You Can Pray Right Now

There is nothing magic about these exact words — a prayer doesn’t save you; trusting Jesus does. But if these words say what your heart means, pray them honestly, out loud or silently:

“Jesus, I’ve been running my own life, and it’s led me into brokenness. I believe You died on the cross for my sins and rose again. Today I turn from my sin and from my own way — I trust You as my Savior and I follow You as my Lord. Thank You for forgiving me and giving me new life. Amen.”

If you just prayed that and meant it — welcome to the family! You crossed the bridge, and today is your spiritual birthday (go write it in the box above). One more thing, and it matters: don’t keep it a secret. New life gets announced, not hidden — "it is with your mouth that you profess your faith" (Romans 10:10). Tell someone today: your pastor, an elder or leader at your church, the person who invited you, or a friend or family member who follows Jesus. A text message counts.

Who will you tell? Write the name of a pastor, elder, leader, or believer you trust — and reach out to them today. (If you prayed the prayer just now, lead with that — it will make their whole year.)