Congratulations on the birth of your child! Children are a wonderful gift from God and come with important responsibilities for the parents. We’re pleased to receive your enquiry about the baptism of your child. At Manly Presbyterian Church we believe that baptism is a very important matter that needs to be understood properly. The following information is designed to answer some of your questions and to help you understand what baptism involves.
What is Baptism?
It might be helpful to start by clearing up a few misunderstandings and state what baptism is not.
- Baptism isn't a naming ceremony. Even though some people use the word“christening” to refer to baptism, in the Presbyterian Church it has nothing to do with the naming of a child.
- Baptism isn't ‘magical’. It does not make a person into a Christian or guarantee that they will get to heaven.
Baptism is associated with spiritual matters. A good way of thinking about baptism is like a signpost that points to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's through the death and resurrection of Jesus that God enables people to come into a right relationship with himself. This happens when a person turns away from their sin ('repentance'), submits to Jesus as their Lord, and trusts in him as their Saviour ('faith'). God has given baptism as a sign of what he has done through Jesus. The water in baptism reminds us that just as water washes away dirt, so the death of Jesus removes the sin of those who repent and trust in him. Baptism for a child is a sign of these things, which we hope and pray they will one day grow up to take hold of for themselves.
Who Can Be Baptised?
The Presbyterian Church of Australia states the following:
“Baptism is administered normally at public worship to the children of parents, one or both of whom, are communicants (official members) and to the children of parents or guardians who are not communicants where one or both of them make a credible profession of faith, and to adults upon profession of faith in Christ and promise of obedience to him.”
This means that there are two groups of people who are eligible for baptism:
What is Required?
As you can see, baptism is a very important step. We want you to have a good understanding of what these promises are all about before you stand up and make them in front of God, the members of the congregation and any members of your family and friends who may be there.
If you are not a regular church-goer it is strongly recommended that you do a 7 session course called “Christianity Explored”. This can be done with someone from the church and is free of charge. It requires about 45 minutes per session and a little reading between sessions. It can be done in your own home if you would like or at some other convenient meeting place.
If you would like to talk to us about baptism please use the contact details here.
What is Baptism?
It might be helpful to start by clearing up a few misunderstandings and state what baptism is not.
- Baptism isn't a naming ceremony. Even though some people use the word“christening” to refer to baptism, in the Presbyterian Church it has nothing to do with the naming of a child.
- Baptism isn't ‘magical’. It does not make a person into a Christian or guarantee that they will get to heaven.
Baptism is associated with spiritual matters. A good way of thinking about baptism is like a signpost that points to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's through the death and resurrection of Jesus that God enables people to come into a right relationship with himself. This happens when a person turns away from their sin ('repentance'), submits to Jesus as their Lord, and trusts in him as their Saviour ('faith'). God has given baptism as a sign of what he has done through Jesus. The water in baptism reminds us that just as water washes away dirt, so the death of Jesus removes the sin of those who repent and trust in him. Baptism for a child is a sign of these things, which we hope and pray they will one day grow up to take hold of for themselves.
Who Can Be Baptised?
The Presbyterian Church of Australia states the following:
“Baptism is administered normally at public worship to the children of parents, one or both of whom, are communicants (official members) and to the children of parents or guardians who are not communicants where one or both of them make a credible profession of faith, and to adults upon profession of faith in Christ and promise of obedience to him.”
This means that there are two groups of people who are eligible for baptism:
- Adults (who were not baptised as children) who have become Christians by repenting of their sins and putting their trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, and are committed to attending their local church.
- Children whose parents (at least one) are Christians i.e. they have made a decision to repent of their sin and follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. The parents acknowledge this publicly at the baptism.
What is Required?
As you can see, baptism is a very important step. We want you to have a good understanding of what these promises are all about before you stand up and make them in front of God, the members of the congregation and any members of your family and friends who may be there.
If you are not a regular church-goer it is strongly recommended that you do a 7 session course called “Christianity Explored”. This can be done with someone from the church and is free of charge. It requires about 45 minutes per session and a little reading between sessions. It can be done in your own home if you would like or at some other convenient meeting place.
If you would like to talk to us about baptism please use the contact details here.