Baptisim

Baptism in the United Methodist Church

We are happy to do baptisms during our Sunday worship service.
To schedule a baptism contact Pastor Jim at [email protected]
or call the church office at (330) 652-6614.

“Through baptism we are initiated into Christ’s holy church, incorporated into God’s mighty acts of salvation, and given new birth through water and the Spirit.” United Methodist Hymnal, p. 33 With those words, Methodists begin a service of baptism. Baptism is sacred to Methodists as to all Christians. Yet questions are often asked about what Methodists believe about baptism. How is baptism administered? Why are infants baptized? What does Scripture say concerning baptism? We hope this helps to address those questions.

Baptism happens with the Spirit

What does The United Methodist Church believe about baptism?

Baptism is one of the two sacraments recognized by The United Methodist Church (the other being Communion). In a sacrament, God uses common elements — in this case, water — as means or vehicles of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is the act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is a symbol of rebirth and repentance by one who has accepted Christ and has repented of their sins.

The Origin of Baptism

The most famous occurrence of baptism in the Bible is no doubt the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. John baptized people to allow them to show that they had repented. So if Jesus was perfect, why did he need to be baptized? Jesus was baptized to sanctify baptism and show how important it should be to us. The New Testament contains numerous examples of individuals and even entire families (Cornelius, Crispus, Lydia, the Philippian jailer, Stephanas) being baptized.

Baptism Today

In The United Methodist Church, a person can be baptized either by sprinkling (most common and nearly 100% of all baptisms at Ohltown United Methodist employ the practice of sprinkling), pouring, or immersion (least common). It also accepts baptisms of other Christian denominations; so if you join from another church you do not need to be baptized again.

Isn't it better to wait until children can decide for themselves whether or not to be baptized?

No. We no more wait for our children to decide about being in the family of God than we wait for them to decide if they would like to be a part of our human family. As parents, we make many decisions — in matters of health, safety, education, for example — for our children. Of course, they may later reject what we have done for them. But, this possibility does not relieve us of the responsibility to do all that we can for them spiritually, as we do in other aspects of their lives.

What's the difference between infant baptism and believer's baptism?

In infant baptism, God claims the child with divine grace. The child is totally dependent on God's grace, as are we all — whatever our age. In believer's baptism, the person being baptized is publicly professing her or his own decision to accept Christ. United Methodists baptize people of all ages who have not previously received the sacrament. Even when the people being baptized are believing adults and are ready to profess their faith, our emphasis is upon the gracious action of God rather than upon the individual's decision.

What happens at the baptism service?

The pastor will call those to be baptized to the front of the church. The individual/parents and or sponsors will stand beside the pastor facing the congregation. The pastor will give the examination of faith to the individual or parents who will answer on the child’s behalf. After the examination, the pastor baptize him/her and then present them to the congregation. They will be given the Certificate of Baptism and other symbols by the pastor or Lay Leader and then can return to their seat.

Does baptism mean that I am saved?

No, salvation is a lifelong process during which we must continue to respond to God's grace. Baptism offers the promise that the Holy Spirit will always be working in our lives, but salvation requires our acceptance of that grace, trust in Christ, and ongoing growth in holiness as long as we live.