Some Commonly Asked Questions about Holy Baptism

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism..." Ephesians 4:5 

"And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name."  Acts 22:16          

Emerging from a mixed Lutheran and Reformed Protestant Christian tradition, our congregation celebrates two sacraments--Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Our congregation baptizes children of all ages, as well as adults.Baptisms are celebrated in the midst of a Sunday morning worship service with the full participation and witness of the congregation.

What is baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament of the church by which a person, through promises and covenantal commitments made with God and our congregation, becomes a member and participant in the church, the living body of Christ.  Baptism marks the beginning of a person's Christian life and journey.  In the New Testament baptism means everything that water means: cleansing, birth, and new life. 

What are the origins of baptism?

Baptism was practiced within Judaism as a rite of purification, repentance, and human preparedness for the coming of God's reign.  In the New Testament, we read how John the Baptist baptized men and women, including Jesus, at the River Jordan (Matthew 3:11-15).  In turn, Jesus instructed his disciples to teach, preach, heal, and baptize (Matthew 28:16-20). 

Does St. Paul United Church of Christ baptize children?

Yes.  Believing that the good news of God's saving love is not only for us but also for our children, we baptize infants and children amid supportive promises and covenantal commitments made by parents, sponsors, and our congregation.  With baptism we recall how Jesus received and blessed children when they were regarded by others as distractions.  He said, "Unless you receive the Kingdom of God like a child, you shall not enter it" (Mark 10:15).

Does St. Paul United Church of Christ baptize adults?

Yes.  Anyone who wishes to become part of the Christian faith and family, and who has not been previously baptized may be baptized.  Adults receiving the sacrament of baptism make a personal profession of faith and affirm their commitment to turn away from all evil and to serve Jesus Christ in the midst of his living body, the church. 

May a person be baptized more than once? 

No. Because re-baptism is neither necessary nor even appropriate.  In the sacrament of baptism God acts once and for all to provide us with the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ.  Provided the sacrament is offered in the name of Jesus Christ and is administered in sincerity and faith, the baptism is valid, regardless of specific details of the ceremony that might make the baptismal service in one church somewhat different from the baptismal practices of other churches. Our St. Paul congregation affirms the spiritual validity of baptisms administered in all Christian churches, Protestant or Roman Catholic. It is possible, however, to renew one's baptismal vows in a service of baptismal renewal.  This can be a meaningful time of remembering one's baptism and recommitting one's life to Christ and the church.  Also, baptism is available to those who are uncertain as to whether they have been previously baptized.  The prayer for such occasions acknowledges our doubt and uncertainty calls upon God to regard the ceremony as either a baptism or a renewal of baptism, depending upon the true circumstances which may be known only to God.