Baptism is a Christian rite or ordinance that uses water as a public sign of faith and entry into the church. In American churches, it may be called a sacrament or an ordinance. Water is applied to the baptized person, and the rite is usually led by a pastor or another authorized officiant, with family and witnesses present.
What does baptism mean?
Most Christian communities treat baptism as initiation into Christian life and entrance into a particular church. Catholics and Eastern Orthodox teach that it forgives original sin and gives the person grace. Many Baptists and other Protestants understand it chiefly as a public profession of faith and a symbol of dying and rising with Christ. The congregation’s own teaching explains what it means beyond these shared elements.
Who is usually baptized?
Many Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran, Anglican and Episcopal, and Methodist churches baptize infants. Parents or godparents make promises about the child’s religious upbringing, and the child is received into the church. Baptists and many nondenominational and Pentecostal churches ordinarily baptize adults or older children after they profess faith. This approach is called credobaptism, while infant baptism is called paedobaptism. Some congregations accept either.
How is baptism performed?
The three main forms are immersion, affusion or pouring, and sprinkling. In immersion, the person is placed under water; in affusion, water is poured over the head; in sprinkling, water is sprinkled. Baptists and many Pentecostal and Restoration Movement churches favor immersion. Catholic and Episcopal congregations commonly pour water, while Lutherans and Methodists may use pouring or immersion. Orthodox baptism is generally by immersion. The minister normally says the person’s name and invokes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit while applying the water.
What happens during the service?
Preparation varies by church. The family usually speaks with the pastor, and parents and godparents may answer questions or make promises. The minister reads Scripture, applies water, and prays. Catholic and Eastern Orthodox rites may include anointing with oil, and Eastern Orthodox baptism is followed by chrismation and other ceremonies. In many Baptist and Protestant services, an adult may give a brief testimony, state faith, and be baptized while the congregation sings or prays. Some churches provide a certificate or keep a permanent record.
What should visitors know?
A baptism is ordinarily a joyful service that relatives and godparents may attend. Guests generally do not need to participate in the ritual, but they may join in prayers and sing with the congregation. If you are arranging a baptism, contact the church early to learn about scheduling, preparation, clothing, sponsors, and local expectations. For guidance on an infant, see baptizing your baby; adults can read about adult baptism. Many churches see baptism as an early step in a continuing Christian life; confirmation and first Communion may follow.