Baptism Procedures and Faqs

Baptism Procedures and FAQs

Baptisms are scheduled by Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Please read through all information points before completing the application.

Scheduling a Baptism Service Complete the Request for Baptism form and return it to the Assistant to the Senior Pastor. Baptisms may be scheduled for either the 9am or the 11am service, but some Sundays are unavailable due to special events. The Assistant to the Senior Pastor will verify the availability of the date and time requested, and notify you of confirmation of the date.

Age limits for Baptisms Baptism of infants between the ages of 3-6 months is encouraged. However, a baptism service for a child of any age may be arranged, as well as baptisms for adult members.

Baptism of Non-Members It is the policy of First Presbyterian Church that at least one of the parents requesting baptism for children be a member of the church. Adults requesting baptism must also be a member of FPC.

Private Baptisms First Presbyterian Church does not perform private baptisms.

FPC Elder (Required for every Baptism) Each Baptism requires an active or inactive Elder from First Presbyterian Church to assist at the service. The parents are responsible for choosing and contacting the Elder and must notify the church office of the Elder’s name.

Guest Elder A family member or friend who is or has served as an Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA may also participate in the service as a Guest Elder. The Guest Elder typically presents the prayer during the baptism service.

FPC Baptism Policy Regarding Family Participation Only the immediate family stands up for the baptism, along with the FPC Minister and Elder/Guest Elder. Godparents per se do not exist in the Presbyterian Church USA. The entire congregation assumes the role that other denominations term “godparents.” Also, immediate family does not include grandparents (unless serving as the Elder), or any other family members beyond the nuclear family.

Honorariums for Baptisms A Baptism is considered a Sacrament, and therefore, it is not the policy of FPC for the ministers or elders participating in the service to receive an honorarium. If the parents desire, it is acceptable for a gift to be made to the church (or a specific ministry of the church) in honor of the child’s baptism.

Photography Photography is not permitted during the worship service. A DVD of the service will be made available and mailed to you when ready. Additional copies of the DVD can be purchased.