Outline for the Sacrament of Baptism for Children

At the appropriate time in the order of worship, the Pastor will invite the family forward for presentation of their child(ren) for baptism. Normally, the family will gather with the Pastor at the front near the baptismal font. After all have gathered, the service for the sacrament of baptism will be conducted as follows:

Pastor: Hear the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: "All authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you, and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." Obeying the word of our Lord Jesus, and sure of His presence with us, we baptize those whom He has called to be His own. _______________, in presenting your child(ren) for baptism, you announce your faith in Jesus Christ, and show that you want yourselves and your child(ren) to study Him, know Him, love Him and serve Him as His chosen disciple(s). Show your purpose by answering these questions:

Pastor: Who is your Lord and Savior?

PARENTS: JESUS CHRIST IS MY LORD & SAVIOR.

Pastor: Do you trust in Him?

PARENTS: WE DO.

Pastor: Do you claim God's covenant promises for your child/children, and do you look in faith to the Lord Jesus Christ for his/her/their salvation, as you do for your own?

PARENTS: WE DO.

Pastor: Do you promise to seek the fellowship of the church wherever you may be and to receive spiritual support and encouragement as you raise your child(ren) in the Christian faith?

PARENTS: WE DO.

~ Let the congregation stand. ~

Pastor: Do you, the members of this congregation, in the name of the whole church of Christ, promise to help in the Christian instruction and nurture of _______________, so that one day he/she/they may confess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

CONGREGATION: WE DO.

Pastor: Will you endeavor, by your example and fellowship, by your love and care, to strengthen his/her/their family ties with the household of God?

CONGREGATION: WE WILL. AFFIRMATION OF FAITH USING THE APOSTLES’ CREED

Pastor: Then with one voice, let us say what we believe, using the Apostles’ Creed, a statement of faith affirmed by Christians around the world over the centuries: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s 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. 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.

~ Congregation is seated. ~

The Baptism

(Texts chosen for those to be baptized may be read at this time)…

Walk into congregation holding child(ren): reminding congregation of vows made …

Pastor: Let us pray. Gracious God, from whom all children are a precious gift. Today we acknowledge that we are but stewards of the lives You entrust to us. We know that when we give our children to you, we are able to keep them forever; when we deliver them into Your embrace, we know it is the perfect freedom. When we bid them to love You, they love us and others all the more. We pray for this child (these children), _______________. By your grace and love, strengthen him/her/them to be (a) true disciple(s) of Jesus Christ, who was baptized Your Son and servant, and who is our risen Lord. We pray for these parents, _______________. May they love with Your love, teach Your truth, and tell the gospel to their child(ren), that Your Word may be heard, and Your will be done, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

ALL: Holy God, remind us of the promises given in our own baptism, and renew our trust in you. Make us strong to obey your will, and to serve you with joy, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose name we pray. Amen.

The parent(s) may receive the Baptismal certificate and be seated.