What Is Baptism?

What Does It Mean?

What Doesn’t It Mean?

Historically, Baptism has been used as a ritual and celebration of initiation into the Christian Community that we call the Church Universal. It’s much more than a personal celebration in front of a congregation in a worship setting.  It is an acknowledgement of God’s unconditional love and grace being upon a person, that God has created, chosen and set apart that person for a lifetime of devotion and commitment through that same unconditional love.

Baptism is not some “magic formula” that guarantees a place in heaven. There is a very serious commitment that is required at the time of baptism. That commitment, from the side of the person being baptized, is that they will devote themselves, mind, body, and soul, to an ongoing journey of growth in following Christ and learning to live by his teachings.  This commitment is especially profound for children, because the commitment extends to the parents and sponsors bringing the child for baptism.  That commitment means that the parents will engage and participate at the highest level possible within the Christian Community so that child sees the Christian lifestyle lived out within the community of the church as well as within the personal family life.   There is also a commitment on the church’s part that all will be done and all resources will be given as needed to train, teach, and nurture those being baptized in authentic Christian community.

Baptism should not be taken lightly or entered into hastily.