Baptisms at Wesley Church
We are delighted that you are thinking about this important sacrament of the Christian faith. We encourage you, but we also want you to understand the meaning of this service before you proceed.
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a rite in which a person is washed with water in the name of God. It marks the beginning of a person’s life in the church. At the beginning of his ministry Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the River Jordan. Following his death and his resurrection, Jesus gave this command to his disciples:
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore 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 that I have commanded you”.
Matthew 28:19
Normally baptism occurs near the beginning of a person’s journey of faith in Jesus Christ. In the Service of Baptism, the person makes public promises about their faith, their obedience to Jesus and their commitment to the community of the church.
Baptism takes time and preparation – it can only happen once in a person’s life and is a serious and joyful time for the whole church. It always takes place in the presence of the congregation, usually during a Sunday worship service.
It is possible for children who are to be raised in the Christian faith to be baptised at the beginning of their life. This is the normal pattern for the children of active church members. Parents of children being baptised make public promises to teach them the way of Christ as they grow, both through parental example and by being part of the life of the Christian Church. The congregation makes promises about supporting the family in their commitments.
We also offer a Service of Blessing and Thanksgiving for families wanting to celebrate the birth of their baby and give thanks to God, but not yet ready to make the serious commitments of baptism.
Please contact the Church Office by email churchoffice@wesleychurch.org.au to arrange a meeting or conversation about baptism or the Service of Blessing and Thanksgiving with a Minister.
