Baptisms

Baptisms at st John’s

AT ST JOHN’S WE BELIEVE THAT

• Baptisms express our belief in Christ’s death and resurrection.

• Baptisms express God’s grace and initiative, which always precedes our response of faith and obedience.

• For this reason, a person is only baptised once in their life. Even if our circumstances or church affiliation changes, God’s gift of grace is reliable.

• Baptism expresses cleansing and forgiveness, which apply to the whole of life, not just that which has already been done. 

• Baptism is celebrated publicly in the context of communal worship.

• In baptism there is an understanding of mutual responsibility for supporting each other in faith.

• Baptism expresses we are all dependent on the Holy Spirit for the life God has to give us.

• Baptism points toward the fulfilment of baptism in God’s plan for us and for the whole world.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CHRISTENING AND a BAPTISM?

None, although there used to be. A baby’s Christening used to be the naming ceremony (the giving of a Christian name) that accompanied the act of Baptism. Now the only difference is that babies are baptised with a small amount of water, poured or sprinkled on their heads. Adults are baptised in the same way but can also choose to be baptised in a baptism pool or even in a river or the sea if preferred.

The baptism of infants reflects the understanding that salvation is a gift from God. Baptism does not achieve salvation – all that is necessary has been achieved in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ – which the Church community knows and celebrates in baptism. (Some historical background: superstition in the Middle Ages regarded baptism like some sort of ‘heavenly insurance policy’ should a child die in infancy. To correct this misunderstanding, Church Reformers made it clear that rather than being necessary for salvation, baptism is a sign of salvation.)

WILL THE BAPTISM OF OUR CHILD HERE MEAN THAT WE’RE NOW FOREVER PRESBYTERIAN?

No. Your child isn’t just baptised into the Presbyterian Church but into the universal (‘catholic’ is the technical term) Church. Denominational affiliation is tied to the church that you choose to associate yourself with, not where you were baptised.

IF MY CHILD OR I ARE NOT BAPTISED, WILL WE REMAIN OUTSIDE GOD’S LOVE AND CARE?

No. God’s love is unconditional and not subject to any church ritual being performed.

IF I WAS BAPTISED AS A CHILD, CAN I BE BAPTISED AGAIN AS AN ADULT?

In this case instead of being re-baptised we would welcome you to participate in a celebration of Confirmation - where the Church encourages people who have been baptised into the faith of the Church, as decided by their parents, to show that they now also identify themselves as sharing this faith as an adult.

WHAT AM I COMMITTING TO IN BAPTISM?

It is a commitment to God and the Church.

• It is more than admiring Jesus as a great religious figure in history. It’s a conscious decision to let our lives be shaped by His, in the recognition that in Him we find God’s love, grace, and a set of values and priorities that give a distinctive direction to our lives. 

• The Church is a worshipping community, identified as being called to be the continuing presence of Jesus in the world and drawing others into His reconciliation. To identify with this human, imperfect community is to learn what grace is and to join in its mission.

WHAT DOES THE CHURCH COMMIT TO IN BAPTISM?

We commit to bringing you and your family under the pastoral care of St John’s in the City. We have specific ministries for children and youth that are intended to engage young people to grow in faith. These ministries are guided by the congregation’s commitment to you and your family. For adults, we commit to supporting you in your faith and encouraging you to share in the ongoing life of the Church that gives support to many.

The Minister and elders would love to talk with you more about what is involved in baptism, and how to make this response of faith for yourself or for your family.