Baptism

What is Baptism?

• Entry into the family of God's people – the Church, sometimes called the 'New Israel' or the 'Body of Christ'.
• Acceptance by God. It declares that God's love and Christ's saving work is for this particular person.
• An outward sign and seal of spiritual grace or blessing through the giving of the Holy Spirit.
• Identification with death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• A proclamation, by dramatic symbolism, of the good news of God's love made clear in Christ's dying and rising.
• A proclamation, by dramatic symbolism, of the good news of God's love made clear in Christ's dying and rising.
• A pledge of loyalty to Jesus and faith in him.
• An acceptance of God's grace, and a declaration that we will live as those included in his love and his covenant family.

The Methodist Church

The Methodist Church acknowledges both adult and infant baptism.

• Adult baptism is administered after the candidates have confessed their faith, committed their lives to Christ and received instruction in the Christian faith and practice. This often takes place during the preparation for confirmation.
• Infant baptism is administered to the children of Christian parents who have given evidence of their faith in Jesus, and personal commitment to Him, by their participation in the life of the Church.
• Baptism is in the name of the Father and the son and of the Holy Spirit.
• Baptism is administered in the congregation at a normal service of worship designated for this purpose on the preaching plan.
• Baptism is usually by sprinkling with water, but in principle there is no difficulty with immersion if this is requested.
• Baptism is once and for all, once baptized we live in faith and by faith as members of God's covenant family.

What does the Bible teach about baptism?

• Christ commanded his followers to preach, make disciples, baptize and teach. (Mt. 28:19).
• The early Church practiced baptism immediately after spiritual birth. (Acts 2:37 – 39).
• Adults were baptized (Acts 2:41) as one would expect in a missionary situation like that, but the promise was also 'to you and your children' (Acts 2:39).
• Households were baptized after the conversion of the father or head. (Acts 16:15 – 34).
• Baptism is into Christ's death and resurrection. (Rom. 6:3 – 4).
• For the Christian, baptism replaces circumcision as a sign of entry into the family of God. (Col. 2:11 – 12).
• Baptism with water is the sign of spirit-baptism and rebirth from above. (John 3:5).

Infant Baptism

The Parents Responsibilities

• Parents must accept and confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour.
• They must be prepared to exercise Christian discipline over themselves and their families.
• They must undertake to give their children access to the worship and teaching of the Church. This means bringing them to Sunday School and to Church, rather than merely sending them.
• Promise, as members of the congregation, that they will share in its life, join in its worship and participate in its teaching. We therefore require that both parents be members of our congregation or, where only one is, that the other give and undertaking that the child will not be hindered from receiving instruction and joining in fellowship with the Church.
• The aim of all this is that parents be part of the community of faith: these requirements help to establish that community and strengthen its life. The baptism of your child involves you in a real commitment to Christ and participation in the life of the Church.

How do I arrange to be baptised?

Infant Baptism

• Download the relevant info to arrange for Baptism
• Baptism Letter  to Parents
• Baptism Registration Form

Adult Baptism

• Download the relevant info to arrange for Baptism
• Baptism Registration Form

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