"And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
Baptism is an important step in our spiritual journeys. Baptism is a means of God’s grace and is the sacrament of initiation into the family of God. This sacrament is a sign of the new birth and is therefore open to people of all ages and mental capacities. For children baptized, God’s claim upon their lives must be ratified by them in confirmation, where the pledge of baptism is accepted. If you have questions about baptism at Polk Street check out the Baptism FAQs below.
Polk Street would love to help arrange your baptism. Please complete the form below to begin the scheduling process.
Polk Street would love to help arrange your baptism. Please complete the form below to begin the scheduling process.
Baptism FAQs
What does the Methodist Church believe about baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements - in this case, water - as a means or vehicle of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is an act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
In the words of the Global Methodist Church Book of Doctrines and Disciplines: Through Holy Baptism we are united in Christ’s death in repentance of our sins; raised to new life in Him through the power of the resurrection; incorporated into the Body of Christ; and empowered through the work of the Holy Spirit to go on to perfection. Holy Baptism is God’s gracious gift to us, flowing from the once for all work of Christ Jesus, and our pledge to follow as His disciples.
What is the appropriate age for baptism?
The short answer is as soon as it is both possible and practical.
Polk Street Methodist Church strongly advocates the baptism of infants within the faith community because the redeeming love of God is extended to all people, no matter their age.
Isn’t it better to wait until children can decide for themselves whether or not to be baptized?
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, and 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.
Will I be coerced or pressured into baptizing my child?
Parents will certainly not be coerced or pressured into getting their child baptized. We believe it is the right of every parent to help his/her child become a person of faith in whatever manner they desire.
May I or my child be Christened instead of baptized?
"Christening" is an historical term that referred to the giving of a "Christian" name at the time of baptism, whether that person was an infant or an adult. The Christian name would become the person's new first name and was thus part of baptism itself and not a separate or different rite. To "Christen" an infant means to baptize the infant.
Are there rites other than baptism that we can use for our child?
There is a service of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child.
This service can be used but should in no way be confused with baptism.
Baptism is a sacrament. In a sacrament, God uses common elements - in this case, water - as a means or vehicle of divine grace. Baptism is administered by the church as the Body of Christ. It is an act of God through the grace of Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit.
In the words of the Global Methodist Church Book of Doctrines and Disciplines: Through Holy Baptism we are united in Christ’s death in repentance of our sins; raised to new life in Him through the power of the resurrection; incorporated into the Body of Christ; and empowered through the work of the Holy Spirit to go on to perfection. Holy Baptism is God’s gracious gift to us, flowing from the once for all work of Christ Jesus, and our pledge to follow as His disciples.
What is the appropriate age for baptism?
The short answer is as soon as it is both possible and practical.
Polk Street Methodist Church strongly advocates the baptism of infants within the faith community because the redeeming love of God is extended to all people, no matter their age.
Isn’t it better to wait until children can decide for themselves whether or not to be baptized?
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, and 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.
Will I be coerced or pressured into baptizing my child?
Parents will certainly not be coerced or pressured into getting their child baptized. We believe it is the right of every parent to help his/her child become a person of faith in whatever manner they desire.
May I or my child be Christened instead of baptized?
"Christening" is an historical term that referred to the giving of a "Christian" name at the time of baptism, whether that person was an infant or an adult. The Christian name would become the person's new first name and was thus part of baptism itself and not a separate or different rite. To "Christen" an infant means to baptize the infant.
Are there rites other than baptism that we can use for our child?
There is a service of Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child.
This service can be used but should in no way be confused with baptism.