Baptism

This page is designed to answer frequently asked questions about the meaning, requirements, and methods of Holy Baptism at Pendleton Center United Methodist Church.

For more information, contact the church office.

The Meaning of Baptism

For Youth and Adults

Baptism is the public ceremony declaring to God and witnesses our faith commitment to Jesus Christ and a vow to live as a Christian. Our salvation comes from our faith that Jesus Christ will remove our sins and grant us eternal life and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Baptism is the outward act of confessing our faith and an inward experience of God’s amazing grace through Jesus Christ. Baptism represents an official entrance into this family of faith, even when a faith decision may have come weeks or even years prior. We welcome any adults or youth who can affirm their faith to be baptized here at PCUMC. We believe in one baptism and also will do a renewal of baptism for those who have previously been baptized as infants or children.

For Children

Baptism is the public ceremony declaring to the gathered witnesses the faith commitment to Jesus Christ of the parents, or guardians, of a child. It is a joyful declaration of faith and promise to God; promising to raise our children in a Christian home and guiding them in the ways of faith with the assistance of the church. In baptism, parents assure the supporting congregation that this child, or these children, will be raised in such a way that they will make their own confirmation of faith when they are old enough.

Requirements For Baptism

For Adults

An open heart and genuine faith commitment to Jesus Christ and a desire to grow in that faith is the requirement for baptism as an adult. The hope we have is that a person who is seeking baptism will have made an intentional decision to be baptized here at PCUMC and have demonstrated that by active participation in the life of our church, support of the church through prayers and gifts of presence, prayer time, and financial support.

For Youth

The requirement for a youth to be baptized is the desire to be baptized and old enough to claim a genuine faith commitment to Jesus Christ. If an unbaptized youth is engaged in confirmation and chooses to become a member, baptism will take place at the confirmation service.

For Children

It is expected the parents will be genuine in their own faith and their commitment to a Christian church. A part of baptism of children is the commitment the parents make to raise their child (children) in faith, surrounding them with people of faith and appropriate leaders to help them grow in their own faith. We hope that the child will grow in their faith here at PCUMC and also give thanks for a faith upbringing in any Christian congregation.

Methods of Baptism

Our church offers the Sacrament of Baptism for adults in three forms: sprinkling, pouring, and immersion. Each of these is equally valid in the eyes of God and the choice is the preference of the candidate. A child is normally baptized by sprinkling; however, pouring or washing are also acceptable forms of Baptism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baptism

How do I schedule a baptism?

Contact the office to schedule the date.

Will a child go to Hell if they are not baptized?

Baptism is the outward sign of an inward faith. Young children are in a state of blissful innocence incapable of intentionally choosing to do evil. They are in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve until they reach the age when they become aware of the difference between good and evil and choose evil. At this point they must choose Christ for themselves. Therefore, a child will not go to Hell if they are not baptized.

Baptism is not an act of salvation without a genuine faith commitment. If the individual or parents are not genuine in their faith commitment, Baptism has no bearing on the child’s salvation and may actually be insulting to God. A sacred vow to God asks for blessings if it is kept and curses if it is not.

Are Godparents or sponsors required for baptism and what is their role?

Our church does not require Godparents or Sponsors. For adults we assign a Shepherd to be a sponsor. However, if a person chooses to have another Christian sponsor them as well, that is acceptable. For a child, Godparents are chosen at the discretion of the parents. The role of a sponsor or Godparent is to help the individual or child to grow in Christ. God parents should be Christians who will commit to helping the child mature in their faith.

Who makes the decision if a person can be baptized in the church?

The pastor of the church.

Why do I need to attend and participate in the life of the church?

The church is the best manifestation of the kingdom of God we have on earth. It is the body of Christ. If we are not connected to the body, we are cut off from Christ. Christianity is a very personal and very communal faith. The church is where we worship, learn, receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion, fellowship with other believers and best utilize our gifts for ministry. Without the church a person’s faith is at best very weak and likely to fail. For a child, the church is the only place the Christian values and beliefs of the parents will be reinforced. Without the church, it is the parent’s word against the world’s. If a parent’s faith demonstrates a deep commitment of time and gifts to the body of Christ, a child will consider their faith important as well.

Does the church offer private baptisms?

Private Baptisms will only be offered under situations where health issues do not allow the person to be baptized at the Church.

At what services are baptisms permitted?

Generally, we allow Baptisms at most services, but during certain services we discourage Baptisms because of scheduling or activity conflicts. (We want the Baptism to be a highlight of the service and not overshadowed by other activities that day.)

Will our church baptize a person who attends another church

We will, at the discretion of the pastor, baptize a child on behalf of another church with a written request from the Pastor of that church.

At what age should a child be baptized as an adult?

A child who has not been baptized by the age of nine is encouraged to wait to be baptized after attending Baptism/Confirmation classes when they reach seventh grade.

Does our church re-baptize people?

Our church recognizes the Baptism rites of all churches recognized as Christian by the United Methodist Church (which includes most Christian churches). So we do not re-baptize people. If you have a question about the validity of your baptism, please ask. We do offer services to remember our baptism.