Baptismal Services
Preaching
HANDBOOK FOR SPECIAL SERVICES
The Christian rite (sacrament, in some denominations) of baptism was not a completely new and unrelated religious practice instituted by Jesus or John the Baptizer. A strong antecedent is in the Old Testament practice of ritual purifications. Other possible areas of background are the Jewish practice of proselyte baptism and the ritual Lustrations of the Qumran community.1 Though there are differences from the Christian rite, significant parallels can be found.
Numerous differences have arisen concerning baptism. Initially, baptism was for believers, but by the beginning of the second century, infant baptism was allowed provided there was an adult sponsor.2 By the fifth century, great emphasis was placed on an infant being baptized prior to the eighth day after birth. Though the Apostolic Church did not believe baptism to be a means of regeneration, this belief soon rose to prominence among the early Church Fathers. Reformation leaders differed in their views concerning baptism. Luther recognized baptism as a sacrament. Calvin also held baptism as a sacrament, but it was effective only in the elect. Zwingle held that it was only symbolic and, therefore, unnecessary to salvation. This view is generally held by the revivalist movements. The formula is also disputed. The majority baptize in the name of the Trinity, while a few baptize only in the name of Jesus. These differences over matters which are not trivial have at times caused baptism to be neglected. This is in error, since baptism is a New Testament teaching of our Lord.
PURPOSE
The believer should desire water baptism in obedience to Christ's example and command. When Jesus appears in the Gospel record after an eighteen-year period of silence, the first event recorded is his baptism by John the Baptizer (Matthew 3, Mark 1, John 1). This, along with the forty-day fast and the temptation by Satan, were the events that preceded Jesus' active ministry. At the end of Jesus' ministry, his command was not only to teach all nations, but also to baptize them (Matthew 28:19, 20).
Baptism is an outward profession of an inward change. Through this symbolic act, the believer gives public testimony that his sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and that he now has begun a new spiritual life. Baptism is also symbolic of the union of all believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), and the death and resurrection of the body.3
PARTICIPATION
Anyone who is a "born again" believer should be baptized. This is not a completion of the individual's salvation, but rather a step toward maturity in following Christ. It is questionable if the person who rejects baptism will feel a constraining love of Christ to follow the rest of his teachings and commandments.
Children who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should not be excluded from the rite of baptism. Some children accept Christ at an early age, in which baptism is too difficult for their understanding; however, those who are nine or ten years of age are able to understand the basic concepts and should be granted baptism, if they so desire. The child who is a Christian and hesitates concerning baptism should not be pushed, but given time for understanding and allowing it to be a personal decision when he is ready.
FREQUENCY
There is no indication that a person needs to be baptized more than once. Baptism is a stepping-stone toward salvation and therefore, is not to be repeated. Unlike Communion, it is not an ordinance that is to be repeated for spiritual renewal. If, after being baptized, an individual forsakes Christ, he should consider being baptized again after returning to Christ. On rare occasions, a Christian wants to be baptized as a reaffirmation of his faith. Such an occasion may occur when visiting the Holy Land, and there is a desire to be baptized in the Jordan River as was Christ. At the time of this type of baptism, it should be emphasized that this is a reaffirmation of faith and is not the regular practice. In the local church, it is best to discourage such a practice by indicating more positive methods by which they may show their reaffirmation. If the pastor does not, it is possible that this church could be swept by a rash of rebaptisms.
No church calendar is complete without at least one scheduled baptismal service. If there is no one to be baptized, the service can be cancelled or handled as a special emphasis on water baptism. The latter is a more positive approach. The pastor needs to be careful not to be bound to the church calendar at the expense of spiritual growth. If just one or several individuals have accepted Christ and desire baptism, it is advisable to plan another baptismal service, even if one was held recently, or plan one sooner than originally scheduled. It is important to give people the opportunity to progress in their spiritual lives when they are ready.
TIME OF OBSERVANCE
There are no special seasons or days when baptismal services must be held. In order to give water baptism a full emphasis and allow for its doctrinal development through the youth departments and the pulpit, it is best to separate it from the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter seasons. It should be noted that a baptismal service during the Easter season could be used in conjunction with an emphasis on the death and resurrection. The main point is that baptism not be relegated to some area of the church calendar in which its importance will be minimized.
The facilities which are available will determine when the service can be held. If the church has a baptistry, the service may be held at any time. The usual day chosen is Sunday, with afternoons preferred. Sunday evening can also be utilized for the service. Sunday mornings are limited in time, especially if there are many candidates.
Outdoor baptismal services are subject to the weather; therefore, they must be scheduled during the mildest weather. Though the usual time for outdoor baptismal services is on a Sunday afternoon, during the summer when daylight extends into the late evening, it could be held in the evening. With the great emphasis on weekend recreation, outdoor locations are increasingly difficult to find. A week night baptismal service could help alleviate this problem.
PREPARATIONS
It is reasonable to announce a baptismal service one month in advance. This may not be necessary in every case, but it does allow sufficient time for the pastor to contact, encourage, and counsel prospective baptismal candidates. Some individuals hesitate to present themselves for baptism unless approached by the pastor or some member of the church. Those who have not been baptized and are eligible should be contacted directly by the pastor on a person-to-person basis or indirectly through the mail. In larger congregations, a personal letter would take a considerable amount of time; therefore, a form letter may be more practical.
The pastor should arrange for a group meeting with the baptismal candidates. The major portion of this time should be devoted to instruction and discussion of the purpose and results of baptism. Instructions concerning what to bring and the procedures to be followed in the service should be given during this session. It eliminates uncertainty and last minute explanations.
The entire church should be prepared for this service. In the Sunday services the pastor can share some dimension of water baptism through the sermons. Mid-week services can provide special teaching and discussion sessions on the subject. It is important not to assume that the congregation is knowledgeable about water baptism.
Special preparations for outdoor baptism should include the following:
1. The baptismal spot should be checked by the pastor and a helper for drop-offs and holes. If there are numerous hazards, it is best to mark off the baptismal spot and then have several strong swimmers assist the pastor during the service.
2. Even if the baptismal spot has no hazards, the pastor should have several helpers to guide the candidates. If a candidate for baptism is especially heavy, one of these helpers can assist the pastor in lowering and lifting him in the water.
3. The location should be checked for sufficient parking. If parking is limited, it is best to have someone direct the cars, in order to save space and park more cars.
4. Consideration must also be given to standing room for the people who are going to be watching the baptism.4
Indoor baptisms do not demand the same type of preparation as do the outdoor ones; however, there are several items which need to be considered.
1. Moveable furniture that may block the congregation's view should be removed.
2. Special carpeting may need to be laid from the baptistry to the changing rooms to prevent water from being tracked all over the church.
3. Helpers are needed at both ends of the baptistry to assist people up and down the steps.
4. The baptistry needs to be filled the day before the baptismal service to allow sufficient time to fill it and to allow the water to reach room temperature. The temperature should also be regulated by the mixture of hot and cold water while filling.
5. Special lighting may be designed to highlight the baptistry with additional spotlights or arranging to have the sanctuary lights off during the baptizing.5
ATTIRE
When the baptismal service is formal, the pastor should be dressed in a black robe. If the service is informal, he can wear a pair of dress pants and a light colored shirt, open at the collar. It is assumed that an undershirt will also be worn. The pastor needs to remember to bring a change of clothes. He should also bring a second towel and a handkerchief, if he desires to use them in the service. The handkerchief is used to cover the nose and mouth of the candidates while baptizing. The towel is usually draped around the pastor's neck and used to dry the water from each individual's eyes after he has been baptized. The pastor may also want a bathrobe for when he leaves the water.
If the baptismal service is formal, the candidates also wear robes, black for the men and white for the women. When the service is informal the candidates should wear clothing that is not shabby and will not be ruined by the water. The ladies should be instructed to wear straight skirts since the full skirts are much more difficult to handle in the water. Each person should also bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a bathrobe.
PROGRAM
This program may include congregational hymns, special musical presentations, Scripture reading, a sermonette, and possibly some poetry. The service is more effective if it is built around a theme, and the theme is announced at the beginning of the service or in the bulletin. Several possible themes are "Risen with Christ" and "Buried with Christ."
The program is not the focal point. It should build and direct the congregation to the culmination of the service in the testimonies and baptism of the candidates. The baptism in water is not an afterthought or end of the service. It is the motivation and purpose of the service and should be the highlight.
BAPTIZING PROCEDURES
When it is time for the actual baptizing, the candidates should be directed to take their places at the baptistry stairs or at the edge of the water, as previously instructed. In the outdoor baptisms, the candidates usually enter the water together ofter holding hands to help each other as the pastor leads them to the desired depth. In the baptistry only one candidate at a time enters the water.
The most common form of administration of baptism is to have the candidate testify after which the minister states: "___, upon the profession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, your repentance from sin and in obedience to his command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."6 The candidate is then baptized. If there are a number of individuals to be baptized, the choir or congregation my intersperse baptism with suitable hymns and choruses.
The administrator of the baptism should always work from the left side of the candidate and somewhat to the rear. Since most people are right-handed, working from the left allows the strongest arm to be used for lifting the person up out of the water. Working from the back gives greater balance when lowering and raising an individual. The minister should also be sure to spread his feet and bend at the knees instead of at the waist as he baptizes. This gives increased balance and helps avoid back strain. Each individual should be in water up to his waist. This makes it easier to place the candidate under the water and increases the buoyancy. The candidate should also have been instructed to bend his knees as he is lowered into the water. This allows his feet to remain on the bottom instead of rising to the surface.
There are several methods of holding the candidate while baptizing. In one, the candidate grasps the minister's left wrist with both hands. The minister then places his left hand over the candidate's face. A folded handkerchief in the hand covers the nose and mouth. With his right hand behind the shoulder blades, the minister then lowers the candidate backwards into the water and then lifts him to an upright position?7
In a second method, the candidate folds his right arm across his body so his hand clasps the upper left arm. The left arm is then bent upward to cover the nose and mouth. The candidate may hold a handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth, if he so desires. The minister places his left hand on the candidate's left wrist and with his right hand between the shoulder blades lowers the person into the water and then returns him to an upright position.
It is not necessary to plunge the candidate deep into the water. This can make it difficult to maintain balance. Lowering the candidate just below the surface is sufficient. Covering with water is the intent.
Numerous differences have arisen concerning baptism. Initially, baptism was for believers, but by the beginning of the second century, infant baptism was allowed provided there was an adult sponsor.2 By the fifth century, great emphasis was placed on an infant being baptized prior to the eighth day after birth. Though the Apostolic Church did not believe baptism to be a means of regeneration, this belief soon rose to prominence among the early Church Fathers. Reformation leaders differed in their views concerning baptism. Luther recognized baptism as a sacrament. Calvin also held baptism as a sacrament, but it was effective only in the elect. Zwingle held that it was only symbolic and, therefore, unnecessary to salvation. This view is generally held by the revivalist movements. The formula is also disputed. The majority baptize in the name of the Trinity, while a few baptize only in the name of Jesus. These differences over matters which are not trivial have at times caused baptism to be neglected. This is in error, since baptism is a New Testament teaching of our Lord.
PURPOSE
The believer should desire water baptism in obedience to Christ's example and command. When Jesus appears in the Gospel record after an eighteen-year period of silence, the first event recorded is his baptism by John the Baptizer (Matthew 3, Mark 1, John 1). This, along with the forty-day fast and the temptation by Satan, were the events that preceded Jesus' active ministry. At the end of Jesus' ministry, his command was not only to teach all nations, but also to baptize them (Matthew 28:19, 20).
Baptism is an outward profession of an inward change. Through this symbolic act, the believer gives public testimony that his sins have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ and that he now has begun a new spiritual life. Baptism is also symbolic of the union of all believers in Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13), and the death and resurrection of the body.3
PARTICIPATION
Anyone who is a "born again" believer should be baptized. This is not a completion of the individual's salvation, but rather a step toward maturity in following Christ. It is questionable if the person who rejects baptism will feel a constraining love of Christ to follow the rest of his teachings and commandments.
Children who have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior should not be excluded from the rite of baptism. Some children accept Christ at an early age, in which baptism is too difficult for their understanding; however, those who are nine or ten years of age are able to understand the basic concepts and should be granted baptism, if they so desire. The child who is a Christian and hesitates concerning baptism should not be pushed, but given time for understanding and allowing it to be a personal decision when he is ready.
FREQUENCY
There is no indication that a person needs to be baptized more than once. Baptism is a stepping-stone toward salvation and therefore, is not to be repeated. Unlike Communion, it is not an ordinance that is to be repeated for spiritual renewal. If, after being baptized, an individual forsakes Christ, he should consider being baptized again after returning to Christ. On rare occasions, a Christian wants to be baptized as a reaffirmation of his faith. Such an occasion may occur when visiting the Holy Land, and there is a desire to be baptized in the Jordan River as was Christ. At the time of this type of baptism, it should be emphasized that this is a reaffirmation of faith and is not the regular practice. In the local church, it is best to discourage such a practice by indicating more positive methods by which they may show their reaffirmation. If the pastor does not, it is possible that this church could be swept by a rash of rebaptisms.
No church calendar is complete without at least one scheduled baptismal service. If there is no one to be baptized, the service can be cancelled or handled as a special emphasis on water baptism. The latter is a more positive approach. The pastor needs to be careful not to be bound to the church calendar at the expense of spiritual growth. If just one or several individuals have accepted Christ and desire baptism, it is advisable to plan another baptismal service, even if one was held recently, or plan one sooner than originally scheduled. It is important to give people the opportunity to progress in their spiritual lives when they are ready.
TIME OF OBSERVANCE
There are no special seasons or days when baptismal services must be held. In order to give water baptism a full emphasis and allow for its doctrinal development through the youth departments and the pulpit, it is best to separate it from the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter seasons. It should be noted that a baptismal service during the Easter season could be used in conjunction with an emphasis on the death and resurrection. The main point is that baptism not be relegated to some area of the church calendar in which its importance will be minimized.
The facilities which are available will determine when the service can be held. If the church has a baptistry, the service may be held at any time. The usual day chosen is Sunday, with afternoons preferred. Sunday evening can also be utilized for the service. Sunday mornings are limited in time, especially if there are many candidates.
Outdoor baptismal services are subject to the weather; therefore, they must be scheduled during the mildest weather. Though the usual time for outdoor baptismal services is on a Sunday afternoon, during the summer when daylight extends into the late evening, it could be held in the evening. With the great emphasis on weekend recreation, outdoor locations are increasingly difficult to find. A week night baptismal service could help alleviate this problem.
PREPARATIONS
It is reasonable to announce a baptismal service one month in advance. This may not be necessary in every case, but it does allow sufficient time for the pastor to contact, encourage, and counsel prospective baptismal candidates. Some individuals hesitate to present themselves for baptism unless approached by the pastor or some member of the church. Those who have not been baptized and are eligible should be contacted directly by the pastor on a person-to-person basis or indirectly through the mail. In larger congregations, a personal letter would take a considerable amount of time; therefore, a form letter may be more practical.
The pastor should arrange for a group meeting with the baptismal candidates. The major portion of this time should be devoted to instruction and discussion of the purpose and results of baptism. Instructions concerning what to bring and the procedures to be followed in the service should be given during this session. It eliminates uncertainty and last minute explanations.
The entire church should be prepared for this service. In the Sunday services the pastor can share some dimension of water baptism through the sermons. Mid-week services can provide special teaching and discussion sessions on the subject. It is important not to assume that the congregation is knowledgeable about water baptism.
Special preparations for outdoor baptism should include the following:
1. The baptismal spot should be checked by the pastor and a helper for drop-offs and holes. If there are numerous hazards, it is best to mark off the baptismal spot and then have several strong swimmers assist the pastor during the service.
2. Even if the baptismal spot has no hazards, the pastor should have several helpers to guide the candidates. If a candidate for baptism is especially heavy, one of these helpers can assist the pastor in lowering and lifting him in the water.
3. The location should be checked for sufficient parking. If parking is limited, it is best to have someone direct the cars, in order to save space and park more cars.
4. Consideration must also be given to standing room for the people who are going to be watching the baptism.4
Indoor baptisms do not demand the same type of preparation as do the outdoor ones; however, there are several items which need to be considered.
1. Moveable furniture that may block the congregation's view should be removed.
2. Special carpeting may need to be laid from the baptistry to the changing rooms to prevent water from being tracked all over the church.
3. Helpers are needed at both ends of the baptistry to assist people up and down the steps.
4. The baptistry needs to be filled the day before the baptismal service to allow sufficient time to fill it and to allow the water to reach room temperature. The temperature should also be regulated by the mixture of hot and cold water while filling.
5. Special lighting may be designed to highlight the baptistry with additional spotlights or arranging to have the sanctuary lights off during the baptizing.5
ATTIRE
When the baptismal service is formal, the pastor should be dressed in a black robe. If the service is informal, he can wear a pair of dress pants and a light colored shirt, open at the collar. It is assumed that an undershirt will also be worn. The pastor needs to remember to bring a change of clothes. He should also bring a second towel and a handkerchief, if he desires to use them in the service. The handkerchief is used to cover the nose and mouth of the candidates while baptizing. The towel is usually draped around the pastor's neck and used to dry the water from each individual's eyes after he has been baptized. The pastor may also want a bathrobe for when he leaves the water.
If the baptismal service is formal, the candidates also wear robes, black for the men and white for the women. When the service is informal the candidates should wear clothing that is not shabby and will not be ruined by the water. The ladies should be instructed to wear straight skirts since the full skirts are much more difficult to handle in the water. Each person should also bring a change of clothes, a towel, and a bathrobe.
PROGRAM
This program may include congregational hymns, special musical presentations, Scripture reading, a sermonette, and possibly some poetry. The service is more effective if it is built around a theme, and the theme is announced at the beginning of the service or in the bulletin. Several possible themes are "Risen with Christ" and "Buried with Christ."
The program is not the focal point. It should build and direct the congregation to the culmination of the service in the testimonies and baptism of the candidates. The baptism in water is not an afterthought or end of the service. It is the motivation and purpose of the service and should be the highlight.
BAPTIZING PROCEDURES
When it is time for the actual baptizing, the candidates should be directed to take their places at the baptistry stairs or at the edge of the water, as previously instructed. In the outdoor baptisms, the candidates usually enter the water together ofter holding hands to help each other as the pastor leads them to the desired depth. In the baptistry only one candidate at a time enters the water.
The most common form of administration of baptism is to have the candidate testify after which the minister states: "___, upon the profession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, your repentance from sin and in obedience to his command, I now baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."6 The candidate is then baptized. If there are a number of individuals to be baptized, the choir or congregation my intersperse baptism with suitable hymns and choruses.
The administrator of the baptism should always work from the left side of the candidate and somewhat to the rear. Since most people are right-handed, working from the left allows the strongest arm to be used for lifting the person up out of the water. Working from the back gives greater balance when lowering and raising an individual. The minister should also be sure to spread his feet and bend at the knees instead of at the waist as he baptizes. This gives increased balance and helps avoid back strain. Each individual should be in water up to his waist. This makes it easier to place the candidate under the water and increases the buoyancy. The candidate should also have been instructed to bend his knees as he is lowered into the water. This allows his feet to remain on the bottom instead of rising to the surface.
There are several methods of holding the candidate while baptizing. In one, the candidate grasps the minister's left wrist with both hands. The minister then places his left hand over the candidate's face. A folded handkerchief in the hand covers the nose and mouth. With his right hand behind the shoulder blades, the minister then lowers the candidate backwards into the water and then lifts him to an upright position?7
In a second method, the candidate folds his right arm across his body so his hand clasps the upper left arm. The left arm is then bent upward to cover the nose and mouth. The candidate may hold a handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth, if he so desires. The minister places his left hand on the candidate's left wrist and with his right hand between the shoulder blades lowers the person into the water and then returns him to an upright position.
It is not necessary to plunge the candidate deep into the water. This can make it difficult to maintain balance. Lowering the candidate just below the surface is sufficient. Covering with water is the intent.
