Baptism
What happens in baptism?
In the sacrament of baptism, we receive a blessing and we hear the promise of God to all His children: He will always be with us through His love, His Spirit, and His blessing. Our baptism sets us out on a lifelong journey that is characterized by our relationship to God, our relationship to our faith community, our relationships in our community and the wider world. Living our baptismal covenant means living a life of growth in the faith practices of discipleship.
Baptism at all ages
Most people in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) are baptized when they are infants but there is no age limit for baptism. Some people are baptized as adults. Others choose to be baptized as teenagers, shortly before their confirmation.
Parents, godparents, and sponsors
When a child is baptized, their parents and godparents gather round the baptismal font. The one who carries the child answers on the child's behalf. The parents promise to bring up the child in the Christian faith. The godparents' task is to help the parents in bringing up the child in the Christian faith. When an adult is baptized, sponsors and not godparents take on this spiritual responsibility of supporting and encouraging the baptized person in their life of faith.
Baptism as a part of the Sunday service
Baptism follows the same order in all churches and usually takes place on Sundays during the worship service. As a sign of welcoming the baptized into God’s family, the congregation is present.
Home or emergency baptism
In the case of illness baptism can take place at home or in hospital. In an emergency situation, anyone who is baptized can perform the baptism. If the child recovers, they may later be presented to the congregation through a rite that resembles that of baptism.
Want to be baptised?
If you want to be baptized or have your child baptized at Faith Lutheran Church, the first step is setting up an appointment with the pastor. When an adult wishes to be baptized, the pastor usually suggests a time of preparation. For children being baptized, the pastor meets with the parents to discuss what the service will entail.