A Guide for Christian Baptism

Continued

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What are the Requirements for Baptism?

Christian baptism is not just a social event nor is it just a nice ceremony, but it has deep religious meaning and significance. Therefore, this congregation does not administer baptism indiscriminately but we have certain requirements. First, a candidate for baptism must be professing, active Christians according to the biblical definition. What is that definition? It is a person who truly believes that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died on the cross and rose again so that our sins could be forgiven and that we can share in God's eternal kingdom. Such a person expresses that belief by living as an obedient follower and disciple of Christ in a community of believers, a church. Church membership is a consequence and sign of true Christian faith and discipleship. Thus, it is clear that baptism without evidence of faith is meaningless. Baptism will not be administered by this congregation where there is no clear evidence of Christian faith. In the case of infant baptism, we, as a church, have the responsibility to try to avoid the inconsistency that occurs in some cases when parents have their child baptized, and then we never see them or their child again for years—– sometimes until it's time for a wedding! Thus, one or both parents or guardians of the child must meet the above requirement for evidence of Christian faith. You as a parent should have the sincere intention of bringing your child up in the Christian faith as it is expressed in the local church, not apart from it. Second, the baptismal candidate or the parents, in the case of infant baptism, will be asked to meet with the pastor of this church at least once before the baptism. At this time the pastor will discuss the meaning of baptism and the candidate's willingness to live as a disciple of Jesus Christ. In the case of infant baptism, parents will be asked to declare their intent to bring their child up in the Christian faith and church. If the pastor has a concern about the baptism, he will take the concern to the Leadership Team.  The baptismal candidate or parents of the infant candidate, may also request to meet with the pastor and Leadership Team if they desire. However, this congregation recognizes that the pastor has the final authority in all matters of baptism. Third, it is not the responsibility of this church or of the pastor to try to compel or force anyone to be baptized or to have their children baptized. Rather it is the responsibility of the candidate or parents of the infant candidate to make the choice as they are prayerfully convinced of God's will. Fourth, it is important to realized that baptism is not a substitute for faith: that it is not some kind of "magic" ceremony which, in and of itself saves a person and makes them a member of God's kingdom. [There is no biblical truth to the idea that if a child dies without being baptized, it cannot have eternal life or enter into the presences of God (see Luke 29:39-43). ] The baptismal candidate or the parents of the infant candidate should base their decision to be baptized on the biblical understanding of the baptism and not upon unbiblical superstitions.