Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
Jesus, speaking to his disciples (Matthew 28:19-20, NIV)
Interested in a Baptism?
We love to baptise people in Elmdon Church, whether it’s someone who’s come to faith in Jesus Christ or the babies and younger children of Christian families.
All our baptisms are conducted in the main Sunday morning service; these services last just under an hour.
To find out more about having your child baptised, please fill in our Baptism enquiry form.
What is Baptism?
Physically it’s a washing with water. Spiritually it’s also a sign of:
- God’s gift to new believers of faith in his Son by the power of his Spirit (Acts 8:12).
- God’s gift to new believers of new birth as they die to sin and rise to new life (Romans 6:4).
- God’s welcome to new believers, into the life of his Church (1 Corinthians 12:13).
- God’s promise to new believers, that he will wash away the sins they commit (Mark 1:14).
- God’s promise to new believers, that he will adopt them as his children (Romans 8:15).
Who should be baptised?
The Bible is clear that people who trust Jesus as Saviour and Lord should repent and be baptised, while it would be wrong to baptise those who haven’t yet accepted the good news.
In addition, the Church of England (like most churches) baptises the babies and younger children of Christian families, and believes that this is what the Bible teaches.
Older children and adults
We’re always happy to baptise older children, young people and adults who can give a credible profession of their new faith. If necessary we’ll arrange further instruction for those to be baptised, and we’ll encourage them to prepare themselves with prayer and fasting. Where practical, their baptism will be done by immersion (we will set up a pool specially to allow this to take place in our building).
Babies and younger children
We’re also happy to baptise babies and younger children of any member of our congregation. Parents and godparents may be required to attend a short course which explains the nature of baptism and the responsibilities that Christian parents have towards their children in making baptismal promises on their children’s behalf.
Those who aren’t members of our congregation will be offered a service of thanksgiving for the birth of a child.
What about godparents?
We accept as godparents those who have been baptised themselves, and who (to the best of our knowledge) are able to answer truthfully and with integrity the questions that they will be asked in the Baptism service.
As part of this, we usually ask that they be confirmed as well as baptised, though we’re happy to accept a letter of recommendation from a prospective godparent’s vicar, minister or pastor in place of a confirmation certificate, as long as it gives evidence of engagement with the ongoing life of the Church.
Next steps…
Want to be baptised?
Are you a follower of Jesus Christ? Do you seek to live in a way that’s Bible-focused, Jesus-centred and Spirit-led? Are you part of the community of God’s people in Elmdon?
Great! Contact us about arranging a date.
Want your child baptised?
Are you and the prospective godparents followers of Jesus Christ? Will you help your child to live in a way which is Bible-focused, Jesus-centred and Spirit-led? Are you part of God’s people in Elmdon?
Yes? To find out more about having your child baptised, please fill in our Baptism enquiry form.
No? We’d love to help you in your journey towards becoming a believer but, for the time being, we encourage you to consider having a service of thanksgiving for your child instead.