The Baptism Service

babyThere is a simple order of service, which begins with prayers and a reading from the Bible, together with a short address before coming to the actual baptism ceremonies, during which you as parents, together with the godperents, will be asked to make some promises, on your own behalf, on your child's behalf, and together with everyone present.

Looking at the words of these promises may help you in deciding whether you want to have your child baptised or to ask instead for the service of thanksgiving.

What you promise as parents and godparents

These questions are asked of the parents and godparents only, who must answer for themselves.

Parents and godparents, the Church receives these children with joy. Today we are trusting God for their growth in faith. Will you pray for them, draw them by your example into the community of faith and walk with them in the way of Christ?

With the help of God, we will.

In baptism these children begin their journey in faith. You speak for them today. Will you care for them, and help them to take their place within the life and worship of Christ's Church?

With the help of God, we will.

road signWhat you promise on behalf of the child

These next questions come in two groups of three. The first group is about what you turn against – the direction you're not going to go in. The second group about what you turn to – the direction you are going to go. These questions are asked to the child, but because they are not old enough to give their own answers, the parents and godparents answer for them.

In baptism, God calls us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
To follow Christ means dying to sin and rising to new life with him.
Therefore I ask:

Do you reject the devil and all rebellion against God?

I reject them.

Do you renounce the deceit and corruption of evil?

I renounce them.

Do you repent of the sins that separate us from God and neighbour?

I repent of them.

Do you turn to Christ as Saviour?

I turn to Christ.

Do you submit to Christ as Lord?

I submit to Christ.

Do you come to Christ, the way, the truth and the life?

I come to Christ.

What we all join in together

The final set of promises is to join in a traditional declaration of the Church's basic beliefs. A Creed (statement of belief) similar to this has been used in baptism for around 1800 years.

Do you believe and trust in God the Father?

I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

Do you believe and trust in his Son Jesus Christ?

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

Do you believe and trust in the Holy Spirit?

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.

It is immediately after this statement of faith that the child is baptised.

The remainder of the service

Immediately following the baptism, the child is anointed with oil blessed by the bishop for use in baptism as a symbol of the strength and blessing of God's Holy Spirit.

The service concludes with a reminder of the responsibility of parents and godparents, and with prayers for them and for all God's world.

The next step

The second part of the service, and it's conclusion comes with the welcome, which you will have been asked to arrange on a Sunday following the baptism.