Baptism

Jesus says, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

What is the meaning of baptism?

Baptism is a sacrament of the New Testament ordained by Jesus Christ. Through baptism, a person is solemnly admitted into the visible church.

Baptism is also a sign and seal of the covenant of grace, of joining intimately with Christ, of rebirth, of remission of sins, and of yielding to God through Jesus Christ to lead a new life. By Christ’s own direction this sacrament is to be continued in His church until the end of the world.

The promise of baptism is made visible in the water of baptism. Water cleanses, purifies, refreshes, and sustains us. Jesus Christ is the living water.

The effectiveness of baptism is not tied to the moment in time in which it is administered. The grace promised in it is not only offered, but actually made real, by the Holy Spirit to everyone to whom grace is given, according to the purpose of God’s will and His timing.

Through baptism, Christ calls us to new obedience, to love and trust God completely, to forsake the evil of the world, and to live a new and holy life. Yet when we fall into sin, we must not despair of God’s mercy, nor continue in sin. For baptism is the sign and seal of God’s eternal covenant of grace with us.

Baptism can be administered by immersion, pouring or sprinkling in water. Anyone who professes faith and obedience to Christ can be baptized at Bay Presbyterian Church, as well as the infants of one or both believing parents who are Bay Presbyterian Church members. In this covenant of grace, both the person’s family and the family of faith—the members of the congregation--make promises to the child or adult who has been baptized. The promise demonstrates our common commitment to make disciples of all people—for discipleship requires relationship with God as well as with one another.

How do I request a baptism?

If you are a member of Bay Presbyterian Church, you can request baptism for yourself or your children in the following way:

Step 1: Complete a baptism request form. Search under baptism, or you can call Cathy Woodle at 440-871-1503, x118 to complete request.

Step 2: Cathy Woodle will contact you to answer any questions and schedule a service time. (Please note that we schedule baptisms once a month at any of our three Sunday morning services.) Pastor Dan Edgerly, Associate Pastor of Family Life, will contact you to schedule a home visit.

Step 3: Dan Edgerly will visit you to share more about baptism at Bay Presbyterian, and to answer any remaining questions you may have.

Step 4: The day of the baptism, please arrive 15 minutes before scheduled service time. You will meet with Dan Edgerly and an Elder in the Family Room directly behind the sanctuary. After the baptism you will receive a baptism certificate.