NEXT STEPS
Whether you’ve been in the mix at Downtown Hope for years, or it’s your first week visiting with us, we’re so glad you’re here! Our hope is for everyone attending DH to get connected and feel at home here.
DISCOVER DOWNTOWN HOPE
LEARN MORE ABOUT US
Discover DH is an event designed to make it as easy as possible for you to meet some of our leaders and learn more about our story, beliefs, and vision.
This is a 30-minute conversation we have every Sunday at 12.30pm. Whether you're brand new to our church or you've been around a while, this is where you discover how your story, your gifts, and your faith intersect with God's mission in this city.
GET CONNECTED IN COMMUNITY
COMMUNITY GROUPS
One of our values is connection. We encourage everyone attending Downtown Hope to find a community (or "small group") to do life together.
Community Groups exist to join in the work of the gospel of Jesus Christ to transform the Annapolis area, starting with Jesus transforming the lives of everyone in each group.
MOVEMENT AFTER JESUS
MOVEMENT GROUPS
Following Jesus is more than belief-it's a way of life. In Movement Groups, we respond to His call to "Follow Me" by learning His rhythms together. These groups are designed around discipleship, mission, and support, helping us grow as apprentices of Jesus and join in His renewing work in our city.
BAPTISM
If you or someone in your family would like to be baptized, we invite you to take the next step by signing up for our baptism workshop using the link below.
BAPTISM CLASS: NOVEMBER 2, 2025
BAPTISMS: NOVEMBER 9, 2025
A visible picture of the gospel.
After Peter proclaimed the good news of Jesus, “those who accepted his message were baptized” (Acts 2:41). From the very beginning, baptism has been a powerful way followers of Jesus publicly declare their faith and new life in Him.
At Downtown Hope, baptism is a celebration of grace. It’s a moment that tells the story of what God has already done in someone’s heart:
- Buried with Christ in His death.
- Raised to walk in new life.
- Welcomed into the family of faith.
WHY WE BAPTIZE
Jesus commissioned His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them…” (Matthew 28:19).
We baptize because it’s a joyful act of obedience, a visible way of saying, “My life belongs to Jesus.”
Baptism doesn’t save us; Jesus does. But through baptism, we proclaim His saving work to the world and celebrate it with the community of believers.
WHO SHOULD GET BAPTIZED
We practice believer’s baptism, meaning baptism follows a personal response to the gospel.
Throughout the New Testament, those who believed were baptized (Acts 2:38; Acts 16:31–33). It’s a step for anyone who has turned to Jesus in faith and wants to follow Him as Lord.
WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN?
We love seeing kids grow in faith!
When a child expresses genuine faith in Jesus, we joyfully prepare them for baptism.
For infants and young children not yet ready to make that decision, we offer Parent–Child Dedication: an opportunity for parents to commit themselves and their children to the Lord before their church family.
UNITY AND GRACE
We know followers of Jesus come from different church traditions.
If you were baptized as an infant but now personally trust in Christ, you are welcome here.
While we encourage believers’ baptism, we also value unity around the gospel above uniformity in practice.
As Paul reminds us, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)
READY TO TAKE THIS STEP?
Baptism is a milestone moment in the life of every believer, marking a significant step in God’s story.
If you’re ready to be baptized or would like to learn more, we’d be delighted to guide you through the process.