Since Biblical times, at least since the times of the New Testament, baptism has been a sign and public display of a new life. John the baptist preached, "Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is near."
It is normal for us to go through this life trying to do things on our own. We lean on our own understanding and generally try to figure out things from our own perspective. When we hear about what God offers, we come face to face with a completely different way to approach life.
Repenting is a term that implies a change in direction. When we "repent," we not only say that we want to live a different life but we actually begin living in different ways. The second thing that repentance implies is a change in direction...to be specific, instead of living in a way that moves us away from God we actively live in a way that draws us closer to him.
Much of the change that takes place in our lives when we turn to Jesus is internal. There is no way for anyone else to "see" the changes that God makes in our heart. Baptism is a way for us to visually demonstrate how God has cleaned us up on the inside by the public act of "washing."
While it is not necessary for baptism to be by immersion, that is the example that Jesus set for us when he went to the Jordan to be baptized by his cousin John.
If you would like to be baptized, please contact one of our pastors.
If you would like more information, here is the official statement from the Church of the Nazarene on baptism (which is one of our article of faith):
We believe that Christian baptism, commanded by our Lord, is a sacrament signifying acceptance of the benefits of the atonement [of Jesus Christ, to be administered to believers and declarative of their faith in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness.
Baptism being a symbol of the new covenant, young children may be baptized, upon request of parents or guardians who shall give assurance for them of necessary Christian training.
Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, according to the choice of the applicant.] and incorporation into the Body of Christ. Baptism is a means of grace proclaiming faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. It is to be administered to believers indicating their full purpose of obedience in holiness and righteousness. As participants in the new covenant, young children and the morally innocent may be baptized upon request of parents or guardians. The church shall give assurance of Christian training. Baptism may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersion.
(Matthew 3:1-7; 28:16-20; Acts 2:37-41; 8:35-39; 10:44-48; 16:29-34; 19:1-6; Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:18-22)