We believe the local church is enjoined to practice the ordinances of baptism (Matt 28:19) and the Lord’s Supper (Luke 22:19-20). Baptism signifies repentance and the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16), identifies the believer with Christ (Rom 6:3-8), and publicly initiates one into the Church (1 Cor 12:13). We believe baptism should normally be conducted by immersion (Mark 1:9) as a public profession of one’s faith in Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Supper is an occasion for reflection and celebration of Christ’s life and loving sacrifice (Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-26). Participation in the Lord’s Supper involves thanksgiving (1 Cor 10:16) and sober self-examination, with the confession of sins (1 Cor 11:20-22, 27-29). Doing so is intended to emphasize the importance of Jesus’ death for us on a regular basis, “until He comes” (1 Cor 11:26). Though Christ is not physically or supernaturally a part of the bread and wine, as some would teach, He is spiritually present in the celebration.