Before I perform a baptism in a worship service, I typically take the time to sit down with someone who has committed their life to Christ and talk about what baptism means and give them some instructions for the day of the baptism.
Baptisms are the most exciting things to take place in the life of the church as they give evidence to the salvation of individuals in the life of the church, the Great Commission being fulfilled, and are a celebratory time for the believers who gather together. I pray regularly that there would be those, who have experienced new life in Christ, that would publicly affirm their trust in Christ through baptism so that we might celebrate together!
Here is some of the information I give to each baptismal candidate.
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Preparation for Baptism:
1. Generally baptisms will take place at the beginning of the service (after announcements and before worship in song).
2. You will need to bring:
a. A change of clothing (including undergarments).
b. A towel to use following the baptism.
c. Anything else you might need following the baptism.
3. Clothing for the baptism. Please do not wear a plain white t-shirt, a shirt with distracting wording, short shorts, bathing suit, etc. Ideally you will wear a solid color t-shirt and pants (the baptistry has steps and can be difficult with a dress or skirt). (Ladies may want to pull your hair back if it is long.)
4. Make sure to touch base with Pastor before the baptism service (arriving 30 minutes before hand is ideal). If you would like to change into “baptism clothes” before the service you can do so in the bathroom. You can also wear those clothes and change after being baptized.
a. When the service begins, wear what you will be baptized in and meet in the room behind the sanctuary that exits onto the platform. You can enter this room from the education/children’s church area.
b. Pastor will meet you in this room before the baptism and give you any last minute directions.
c. One person at a time will be baptized. Immediately following your baptism, you will be helped out of the baptistry, handed your towel, and then free to go to a bathroom and change into dry clothing for the remainder of the service.
5. Please let Pastor know how you would like for your name to appear on the baptism certificate.
6. When you get into the water: Pastor will introduce you to the congregation and then invite you to *briefly* share your testimony about becoming a Christian. This should include when and where you came to know Jesus, repentance, forgiveness of sins, having faith in Jesus. It should not exceed two minutes.
7. Before Pastor baptizes you with water, he will ask three questions publicly that you should be able to answer with a simple “yes” in the affirmative:
a. Have you repented of your sins and placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
b. Do you have the assurance of the Holy Spirit that if you stood before God today, He would welcome you into Heaven as His child?
c. Are you committed to serving & obeying Jesus from this point onward?
What might you add?
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