Baptism

The baptism should preferably take place within a service of worship and could ideally be followed by the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are especially appropriate Sundays.

*Presentation of Candidates

*Brief explanation of nature of baptism

*A testimony to an adult’s journey can be included here if desired - this can be read by the sponsor or another

*Presentation of Parent/Godparent/Sponsor and Charge Will you be responsible for seeing that Name is nurtured in the Christian faith and life?

Parents and Godparents/Sponsors

We will, with God’s help.

Celebrant

Will you by your prayers and witness help Name to grow into the full stature of Christ?

Parents and Godparents/Sponsors

We will, with God’s help.

*– Questions for baptismal candidate (if adult) or Parents and Godparents (if infant) “In light of presenting Name, it is appropriate to your own baptismal vows as a parents and godparents to nurture Name in Christian faith and life.” (if infant)

Question Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God? Answer We renounce them.

Question Do you renounce the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God? Answer We renounce them.

Question Do you renounce all sinful desires that draw you from the love of God? Answer We renounce them.

Question Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior? Answer We do.

Question Do you put your whole trust in his grace and love? Answer We do.

Question Do you promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? Answer We do.

*Congregational charge & reaffirmation of baptism Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support Name in his/her life in Christ?

People We will.

*Congregational Confession of Apostle’s Creed Let us all renew our own baptismal covenant by confessing our common faith…We believe in God…

*Baptism Name, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

*Chrism – (Optional element of anointing with oil) Name, I anoint you with oil to signify that you are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own for ever. Amen.

*Prayer of Blessing

*Presentation to church

Why should I be baptized?

Baptism is one of the most exciting moments for the Christian. It’s an outward sign of inward Grace.

It is also one of the most exciting times for the church as we see someone take that next step in faith and seeing the work of God in that persons life.

I remember when I was baptized. It was a special moment in my life as a stood before that congregation and shared one of the most intimate moments of my life and testified to the grace of God. Now afterwards I didn’t see Halo’s around my head or angels singing but, I was more aware of God presence around me.

Jesus expected his followers to be baptized and he was also baptized as an example of what true humility looked like. As seen in , and later commanded that the Church be his witnesses in all the world, baptizing in the Name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit ().

Who Should Be Baptized? After Peter had preached his soul-stirring sermon on the Day of Pentecost, his audience asked: “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven” (, ). Belief and repentance are part of the spiritual preparation necessary before baptism.

Every person who has repented and believed in Christ is ready to be baptized. This is someone who has realized that their sin separated them from God. They have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. And they have decided to trust Christ alone for their salvation. If you have come to that point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized.

What Baptism means

When we are saved, we are spiritually baptized into Christ (,) and into His Body , the church (.) Baptism in water is an outward representation of these inward realities. In Biblical symbolism, water represents inner cleansing (, ,) and spiritual rebirth (,) both of which are central themes of baptism.Water baptism is, in essence, a funeral. It is an act of faith in which we testify, both to God and to the world, that the person we were before is dead and buried, and we are raised as a new creation in Christ. This is beautifully illustrated by these Scriptures:

"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."-

Romans 6:4 NIV

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

"Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."

Baptism is a public declaration the we now are a part of the family God and our sin has been washed away and we are a new creation in Christ.

Now Let’s here the testimonies of those who will be baptized today....