Christian Churches and Churches of Christ affirm Matthew 28:19 as establishing the Trinitarian baptismal formula as the proper form for Christian baptism. Baptism by immersion in water in the name of the Trinity is practiced as apostolic command. The Restoration Movement's emphasis on restoring apostolic practices makes Matthew 28:19 a foundational text for baptismal theology.

Baptism is understood as believer's baptism (not infant baptism) following confession of faith in Christ. The Trinitarian formula is essential to valid baptism, and baptism is understood as participation in Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6). The mode of immersion and the formula of Trinitarian invocation are non-negotiable in Christian Churches theology.