UNDERSTANDING BAPTISM

At some point in your journey with Embrace Church you may have a question about baptism. Our hope here is to answer some of those questions and convey how we understand and practice baptism as a United Methodist Church. We recognize that a number of people who engage with Embrace Church may come from various faith backgrounds or denominations, thus spurring a number of good questions around baptism.

A Wesleyan Understanding of Baptism………….Page 2

Infant Baptism……………………………………….Page 2

Beyond Baptism, The Role of Confirmation…….Page 3

Frequently Asked Questions……………………...Page 4

Vows of the Baptismal Covenant…………………Page 7

Further Resources…………………………………..Page 7

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A WESLEYAN UNDERSTANDING OF BAPTISM As United Methodists, our primary understanding of the act of baptism is that of a “sacrament”, simply meaning an act where God uses a common element (in this case, water) as a means of offering his divine grace. In this sacred act God bestows upon a baptized person the presence of the Holy Spirit, marks them with an identifying seal as God’s own, and implants in their heart his inheritance as a son or daughter of God.

We also believe baptism to be God’s sign of initiating us into his new covenant that was first established through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This word “covenant” is a Biblical term that describes God’s initiative in choosing us to be his people with a special mission in the world, and our response in a life of faithfulness. We understand the baptismal covenant in light of Jesus’ baptism where God said, “This is my son.” And while Jesus’ relation to God as Son is unique, for Christians, baptism means that God has also chosen us as sons and daughters and knows us intimately as a parent.

INFANT BAPTISM Baptism is God’s gift of grace to persons of any age – infants through grown adults. Through the Church, God claims infants as well as adults to be participants in the gracious covenant of which baptism is the sign.

While Scripture does not explicitly mandate infant baptism, there is ample evidence for the baptism of entire households where infants would also be included (Acts 11:14, Acts. 16:15, Acts 16:33, Acts 18:8 and 1 Corinthians 1:16). There is also extensive evidence that infant baptism was the common practice in early Christian history and doctrine. Throughout the Christian centuries, infant baptism has been the historic practice for the majority of the church, especially in situations where infants are born to believing parents and brought up in Christian homes and communities of faith.

Infant baptism rests firmly on the understanding that God prepares the way of faith before we request or even know that we need help (prevenient grace). The sacrament of infant baptism is a powerful expression of the reality that all persons come before God as no more than helpless infants, unable to do anything to save ourselves, dependent upon the grace of our loving God. Through baptism, children of believing parents become the special responsibility of the church and are to be nurtured and led into personal acceptance of Christ, and by profession of faith confirm their baptism. 3

The difference between the baptism of adults and that of infants is that in adult baptism, the Christian faith is consciously being professed. A baptized infant comes to profess her or his faith later in life, (publically before the church in confirmation) after having been nurtured and taught by parents or other responsible adults and the community of faith.

BEYOND BAPTISM, THE ROLE OF CONFIRMATION Though not considered a “sacrament” like baptism, confirmation plays an important part of an ongoing, lifelong journey of discipleship, where we are conformed into the image of Christ.

The word “confirmation” literally means “to make firm”. Thus, confirmation seeks to “make firm” that which has gone before. It is closely linked to and dependent upon what has taken place in the individual’s life already, including God’s prevenient grace, the sacrament of baptism, and the Christian nurture provided by parents and the community of faith. Confirmation does not complete baptism, nor is it the second half of baptism. The sacrament of baptism stands alone.

At Embrace Church confirmation is offered to students during their 7th grade school year but is open to students through 12th grade (typically in the Spring). This is intentionally offered at a time when students are transitioning from concrete to more abstract thinking and also find themselves searching for a deeper sense of belonging. Confirmation offers and encourages students to find that belonging with Christ and the community of his church.

The process of confirmation involves an intentional season of teaching and mentoring by leaders within the church to prepare students to: a) assume personal responsibility for their own faith, b) embrace the ongoing journey of discipleship, and c) grow into their role as fully functioning members of the church.

This season of preparation culminates with a worship gathering of the church where students have the opportunity to publically confirm their faith and baptismal covenant (for any students previously baptized as infants or at any previous time). Students who have not been previously baptized but have participated in the confirmation process will have the opportunity to be baptized within the confirmation service as well. 4

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s my first step if I’m interested in being baptized? If this is you, it’s great news and we would love to celebrate with you. Your first step would be to reach out to our Pastor, Josh Agerton ([email protected]). He will then find a time where you both can meet and talk further about your faith journey and process together this step of baptism. If you are a parent interested in Infant Baptism, you should also contact our Pastor, Josh Agerton, to schedule a meeting to visit with him.

When could I be baptized? Each spring and fall we hold an outdoor baptism celebration for those desiring to be baptized. Dates for these will be communicated to the church body with advance notice. Opportunities for Infant Baptism happen several times a year, typically quarterly, which will also be communicated to the church body with advance notice.

Can I be re-baptized? Because baptism is a sacrament of God’s grace and a covenant that God initiates with us, we understand it as a one-time event in the life of a Christian. By misusing our God-given freedom, we may live in neglect or defiance of that covenant, but we cannot destroy God's love for us. When we repent and return to God, the covenant does not need to be remade, because God has always remained faithful to it. What is needed is renewal of our commitment and reaffirmation of our side of the covenant. In these cases we would offer the opportunity to simply reaffirm one’s baptism (offering this during our spring or fall Baptism Celebrations). This seems to be the most appropriate way to honor the grace of God as he has remained faithful to us since the original baptism and through any season where we have turned away from him.

Is it possible to have a private baptism? It is important to understand that baptism is not merely an individualistic, private or domestic occasion, but rather one that involves the participation and nurturing of the greater community of believers. Therefore we strictly hold baptisms within the context of the gathered worshipping church.

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Infant baptism and baby dedication - it’s the same thing, right? Theologically we understand the act of baptism and dedication as two very distinct things. A dedication is understood as a human act, something we pledge or give to God. Baptism on the other hand, is understood as a divine act, a pledge and gift God gives to us. While the baptism of infants includes the reaffirmation of the vows of the baptismal covenant by parents, and commitment by the church body (human, pledge- like actions), baptism chiefly celebrates what God is doing and will do in the life of the infant.

Is it possible to have our newborn dedicated instead of being baptized? With understanding the above distinction between dedication and baptism and our connection as a United Methodist Church, the Pastor of Embrace Church is not at liberty to perform a baby dedication in lieu of an infant baptism.

If my child is baptized as an infant, can they be re-baptized again when they choose to publically profess their faith for themselves? As mentioned previously, we understand baptism as a one-time event in a person’s life (including infant baptism). Often this question comes from concerned parents who may feel that their children could miss out on having the memorable experience of their baptism. In this case, it is important to remember that the focus and foundational power of baptism is not on what we are doing, but rather the greater act of grace that God is doing. In the end, a vibrant and abiding relationship with Christ will not be dependent on the single memory of baptism but rather on the work of God’s grace through a lifetime of walking with the Holy Spirit.

What if I’m a member of Embrace Church but decide to not have my baby baptized? While the opportunity for infant baptism will be encouraged and communicated to all parents within Embrace Church, we sincerely respect the decision of parents who wish to not have their infants baptized. Just as with all families of the church, we commit to a nurturing and supportive partnership with parents in order to bring children to a mature personal faith in Christ, ultimately to include baptism.

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Are there any pre-requisites for having my infant baptized? It is important that the family considering an infant baptism be closely connected to Embrace Church, as both the parents and the church body are committing to play an important role in the spiritual development of the child. Thus we ask for the following: a) At least one parent should be a baptized, follower of Christ in order to guide their child’s spiritual formation; b) At least one parent must be a committed member of Embrace Church. We also require that parents meet with the Pastor of Embrace to process and discuss any questions related to the baptism.

Does Embrace Church accept the baptism of persons from other faith backgrounds or denominations? Yes, as a United Methodist Church, we recognize the baptism of other Christian denominations and do not re-baptize those who have already received Christian baptism in any form. 7

VOWS OF THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT

The Following Questions are asked of persons in the Baptismal Covenant:

1. On behalf of the whole Church, I ask you: Do you renounce the spiritual forces of wickedness, reject the evil powers of this world and repent of your sin?

2. Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?

3. Do you confess Jesus Christ as your Savior, put your whole trust in his grace, and promise to serve him as your Lord?

In the case of Infant Baptism, the questions above are asked to the parents and the following question is asked of the church body:

4. Will you nurture [Child’s Name] in Christ’s Holy Church, that by your teaching and example they may be guided to accept God’s grace for themselves, to profess their faith openly, and to lead a Christian life?

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER EXAMINATION

By Water and The Spirit, A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism

FAQ’S About Baptism in The United Methodist Church

The United Methodist Book of Discipline, 2016