History
For many generations our church or its predecessors have baptised infant children almost as a matter of course. Baptism was seen by many as much as a naming ceremony and a cultural requirement as a religious one with spiritual significance. Baptism even became known as christening, suggesting that it was the point at which a child formally received his or her Christian name, rather than being the mark of joining the church.However, this is not what baptism was originally intended to be.
When should baptism take place?
For an adult who has come to faith, the simple answer is, as soon as is practical after coming to faith. Baptism is yourinitiation into the church and the journey of faith – it is the first step for a Christian.
The Church’s View
Baptism is a Sacrament
Firstly, baptism is a sacrament – “an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given to us, ordained by Christ as a means whereby we receive that grace, and a pledge of assurance that we have.” In other words, it is an action that we take, that we were told to do by Jesus, that reminds us of God’s love and undeserved favour, and that assures us of his continued presence in our lives. There are two sacraments recognised in the Uniting Church – baptism and Holy Communion.
A once-in-a-lifetime membership rite
Secondly, baptism is something to be honoured and celebrated because it is unrepeatable. Unlike Holy Communion, baptism occurs just once in a person’s life. Taking its lead from Paul, who wrote in Ephesians 4:5 that there is “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”, the church teaches that there can only be one baptism.
Baptism is the church’s membership rite. It is our initiation ceremony. It is the point at which we celebrate new life in Christ.
What about infant baptism?
Infants of believers can be baptized at any time after birth. Infant baptism is into the faith of the parent(s), who vow to raise the children within the life of the church and under Christian teaching and example from the parent(s) and other Christian. This is in order that the child has full opportunity to understand and later confirm their baptism for themselves.
Infant baptism draws on the Christian tradition that the apostles baptised whole households, and the faith that receives the sacrament is that of the parent(s). They profess their own faith and covenant with God and the congregation to raise the child by Christian principles and lead the child toward personal faith. For this reason the church must be certain that the parent(s) are people of faith and people who will live that faith and pass it on to their children – otherwise the church’s sacrament of baptism is dishonoured, perhaps even invalid, because it is not received in faith. This creates an obligation on the parents to the church that the child will be actively involved in the life of the church until the point where the child is old enough to make a decision on their own.
Sometimes people expect the church to baptise them or their children, but are reluctant to offer any return commitment to the life and mission of the church. Obviously from what has already been said, this position is one that is difficult for the church to accept.
Each baptism is carefully and prayerfully considered by the Church Council, and because it is a membership rite, extenuating circumstances are needed to allow baptism for those who are not a part of our fellowship.
What is a Service of Dedication?
Some people who wish their child to wait and be baptised as adults have opted for a service of Dedication. The promises in that service are similar to those asked of the parent(s) presenting children for baptism.
What is a Service of Thanksgiving?
Others may wish to have the beautiful Service of Thanksgiving rather than a baptism. This service includes giving thanks to God for the life of the child and offering prayers for the well-being and faith of child and parent(s). It can, if the parent(s) so wish, include a naming ceremony. This does not require a commitment from the parent(s) to bring the child up in the life of the church.
Whatever your decision regarding your desire for baptism for yourself or your child, the people of Glenunga Uniting Church want to offer you their love, support and friendship. We pray that God will bless you and lead you ever closer to Him, and we look forward to any opportunities you may allow, for us to be a part of your journey into faith.
Rev. Don Purdey
