Years ago, a machinist at Ford Motor Company in Detroit became a Christian and was baptized.  He took his baptism seriously.  He had been stealing parts and tools from Ford for years.  The morning after his baptism he took all the stolen parts and tools back to his boss. He explained his situation and his recent conversion and baptism, and asked for forgiveness.
This response by an employee was without precedent.  Mr. Ford was visiting a European plant at the time, but he was cabled concerning the details of this matter.  His response was requested.  Mr. Ford immediately returned a cable with his decision: "Dam up the Detroit River, and baptize the entire city."
Jesus went even further.  In his Great Commission he ordered his church to baptize all nations (Matthew 28:19).  Why?
Why is baptism so important that our church would make its derivative, "Baptist" part of our name? Why does this action matter to us?
Over the years I have spoken to hundreds of people about this issue.  Most of them wanted to join our church from a different background regarding the practice of baptism, and they didn't understand why this issue is so important.  Perhaps you're asking the same question.  Or perhaps you've been baptized in a Baptist church but still have questions about your experience.
So let's see why baptism matters.