 |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
 |
Home |  |
|
|
Contents |  |
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a symbolic washing away of sin in God's name. It is an outward symbol of something that happens inside a person. When someone is truly sorry for a the wrong things they have done in their lives, and when they trust in Jesus and dedicate their lives to following Him, they receive God's forgiveness for all their past wrongs and are given the free gift of eternal life. Adults are baptised to celebrate their new found faith. The children of believers can be baptised in the prayerful hope that one day they too will come to a faith. of their own.
Can We Have Our Child Baptised?
If you are an active church member or adherent, or are in the process of seeking church membership, you can have your child baptised. The Church makes membership a requirement because of the major commitment involved in the baptismal promises. You will promise to bring your child up with a living Christian faith, both by teaching him/her about the Christian life, and by setting a good example in your own Christian life. If you are not a church member and would like to find out more about the Christian faith or baptism the Minister will be able to advise you of how to go about this.
Infant baptism does not guarantee that a child will grow up to be a Christian, rather it means that you, as parents, are undertaking to do everything in your power, with God's help, to achieve that result.
It is important that baptism should never be seen as a kind of lucky charm to shield your child from danger. Nor should it be seen as a sign that God loves your child any more than an unbaptised child. God loves all children whether 'baptised or unbaptised. In a profound sense, though, infant baptism is a powerful acknowledgment of God's love for your child
What Are The Baptismal Promises?
At infant baptism parents are asked two important questions:
1. Do you confess your faith in God as your creator; in Jesus as your Saviour and Lord, and in the Holy Spirit as your Guide and Helper?
2. Having renewed your faith, do you now promise before God and before your fellow Christian friends to endeavour with God's help to bring your child up as a Christian within the Church?
It is hoped that parents will be able to make these promises happily, sincerely, and in good faith. In the case of a two parent family, however, where only one parent is a Christian, the questions need only be answered by that parent. There is no need for the other parent to make a public declaration which he/she may not feel ready to make at the moment. It is hoped, though, that any such parent would agree, to attend a future Start, Alpha, Christianity Explored or Enquirer's Class to find out more about the Christian faith.
What About A Dedication Service Instead?
Having read this leaflet you may decide that you are not able to commit yourself to becoming a church member or to learning more about the Christian faith at the moment, Nevertheless you would still like to have a church service to mark the birth of you child. Alternatively, you may be a Christian and regular church-goer, who wants to wait until your child is old enough to enjoy, appreciate and understand baptism for hint/herself. Nevertheless you would still like to have a church service to mark the birth of your child.
If any of these two positions accurately represents your present position it would be unwise to go ahead and get your child baptised at the moment. It may be appropriate, however, for you to ask the Minister to conduct a service of Dedication: to thank God for your child's birth and to dedicate yourselves took the task of parenthood.
If you would like to find out more about Baptism, Dedication or joining the Church please feel free to contact the Minister at any time.
