Baptism
Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4, NRSV).
There is great theological diversity in Christianity, especially about the sacraments. Pres House is a ministry of the PC(USA), which is part of the Reformed tradition within Christianity.
At Pres House, we celebrate the sacraments in a way befitting our Presbyterian roots, but we welcome diverse perspectives on the meaning of these rituals. Our community is made of folks from many Christian traditions, as well as folks who claim other faiths or no faith at all. You do not have to agree with our approach to baptism to be part of the Pres House community; bring ALL of who you are!
What is baptism?
Baptism is one of two sacraments celebrated in the PC(USA) (the other being communion). In baptism, we are washed with water in the name of the Triune God and make vows to renounce evil, follow Jesus, and be devoted to the church. The water may be applied by being fully immersed in water or sprinkling/pouring water on one’s head.
Baptism is “the sign and seal of our incorporation into Jesus Christ.” It is a ritual rich with meaning: “dying and rising with Jesus Christ; pardon, cleansing, and renewal; the gift of the Holy Spirit; incorporation into the body of Christ; and a sign of the realm of God” (Book of Order W-3.0402). But it is perhaps most easily understood as an initiation ritual. Baptism marks our initiation into the family of God. And the ritual doesn’t just involve one person; the entire family gets involved.
Who can be baptized?
Baptism is for “believers” (anyone who believes in and wants to respond to God’s gift of grace in Jesus Christ) and their children.
Why do Presbyterians baptize infants, who cannot yet “believe” in Jesus? “Both believers and their children are included in God’s covenant love. The baptism of believers witnesses to the truth that God’s gift of grace calls for our grateful response. The baptism of our young children witnesses to the truth that God claims people in love even before they are able to respond in faith. These two forms of witness are one and the same Sacrament” (Book of Order, W-3.0402).
Do I *have* to be baptized?
No. God offers the same love and grace to all people regardless of their baptismal status. Baptism is not a work we do to earn something from God. The work has already been done through Jesus!
Why, then, should we be baptized? Through baptism, individuals and communities respond to God’s grace and publicly accept God’s invitation to walk in newness of life. In his book Everything Good about God is True, Presbyterian pastor and author Bruce Reyes-Chow writes, “Baptism is simply a response to and recognition of a relationship already promised by God. It’s a calling to enter a new way of being in a relationship with God.”
Can I be re-baptized?
If someone has already been baptized — whether as an infant, child, or adult — the PC(USA) does not re-baptize. This stems from our theological conviction that baptism is not a work we do, but a sign and seal of the work God has already done through Jesus. The PC(USA) “recognizes all baptisms by other Christian churches that are administered with water and performed in the name of the triune God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Book of Order, W-3.0402).
We cannot repeat what God has done, but we can reaffirm it! Baptized Christians can reaffirm their baptism by publicly professing their faith and reaffirming the baptismal covenant.
I am interested in being baptized or reaffirming my baptism at Pres House. What do I do?
This year (2025), we will be celebrating baptisms and reaffirmation of baptism on Easter (April 20). If you are interested, there will be an interest meeting on Sunday, February 9, at 2 pm, where we will share more information about how baptism works at Pres House. Attendance at this meeting is highly encouraged, but not required.
All students interested in being baptized for the first time or reaffirming their baptism must attend two “classes” to prepare for the sacrament. The dates and times for these classes are listed below. If you cannot attend the classes but would still like to be baptized or reaffirm your baptism, please email Pastor Nii Addo.
- Sunday, March 2, 1:30-3 pm
- Sunday, April 6, 1:30-3 pm