Baptism is the act of using water as a symbol of transformation. In the same way we wash to make ourselves clean, baptism is the symbolic act of washing spiritually. It's a way of saying an old way of life has gone and a new one has come. Yet it's a bit more than that.
Baptism is also the entrance into the life of God's church - not just the local congregation, but rather the community of Christian believers worldwide. It's a public testimony and "seal", if you like, that declares membership, partnership or ownership. It's a spiritual act that moves beyond mere adherence.
Within Christian tradition, baptism is understood and practised in a variety of different ways. For Churches whose history stretches back prior to the 16th century, infant baptism was and remains the norm. Because society was Christian at it's core, parents would baptise their children into the life of the church, however, that baptism wasn't complete until the child went through confirmation in their later years. Confirmation is the act of publicly owning the faith that has been handed to them from their parents. Despite what you may think, there is biblical precedent for it.
For many churches that came in to being after the 16th century, baptism was only offered to those who were able to make a confession of faith in Christ for themselves. These churches dedicated infants to God, but left baptism as a decision for the child to make when older.
These two traditions still remain in our society, however fewer people are asking for infant baptism. As society has become increasingly secular, the traditional act of infant baptism as a rite of social and religious passage has lessened.
Sprinkle or Dunk?
You have no idea how much debate has gone on over the centuries regarding this issue! Oddly enough, denominations have nearly come to blows over it. As a general rule infant baptism is performed by pouring water over the head. Adult baptism is normally by full immersion. I remember baptising a teenager some years ago who panicked a little when I put her under the water. Despite the fact she was drenched, a part of her head didn't go under. Her mother was absolutely convinced she hadn't been baptised properly. She had!
At the end of the day, public baptism or confirmation is a state of heart, mind and commitment to Christ. The symbol and action of baptism is irrelevant if these are not considered.
We prefer immersion as it is an expression of the entirety of self.
Is it necessary?
Yes! There are few Christian churches that would or can say otherwise. The bible commands it as an action of faith and testimony. Jesus was baptised, the disciples were baptised and the Apostles baptised everyone who believed. You and I are not excused. If you don't want to be baptised, ask yourself why? Praying about why is often helpful in finding a path through the issues.
We are aware that people from different cultural and religious backgrounds find baptism very threatening. Personal faith is one thing, but public declarations can have some fearful implications. We understand this and will help you navigate the issues involved without pressure.
What does Central Baptist do and why?
At CB we only baptise on confession of faith. We generally do this when people are beyond 15 years of age. It's not a fixed rule, but given that we do not live a Christian society we think it is fairer for a child to have individuated from parental guidance enough to hold their own faith independently.
We do....
We do dedicate infants and children to God.
We do full immersion baptism unless there are health reasons why we can't - we then pour.
We only baptise people on confession of faith in Christ.
We do baptise those who were baptised as infants if they would like to do so.
We do it freely without tests or trials.
We do not...
We do not do it in private.
We do not baptise people again if they have been baptised previously as adults.
We do not pressurise people to be baptised - we encourage them!
If you would like to be baptised we will make sure it happens for you in a meaningful way. If you would like to talk with someone about baptism, then we would love to talk with you. Please make contact with the church office or one of the pastoral staff.