Where Should Baptisms Take Place?

As a general rule baptisms should be done in a public place. This would mean that as a norm they should not be done in a church building or a Christian home. It seems evident from the New Testament and early church history that a person's baptism was a public recognition of their commitment to Jesus.

As was mentioned previously, one author writing in the 2nd century gave these public places for administering baptisms: "rivers, fountains, pools, sea, lakes, or canals." Baptism was a humbling experience done before the eyes of the world (Matthew 3:5-6; John 3:22-23; Acts 8:36-39). Baptism made a person a marked man or women. A person's public "washing" marked him as a confessed sinner and a believer. It set him apart as a Christian in the eyes of his neighbors. The only time that baptisms were done in secret in the early church was during times of intense persecution.

It is true that we need to avoid exhibitionism and parading sacred things before the world (Matthew 7:6). But we also need to understand that baptism was created to be a public sacrament (unlike the Lord's Supper which was done behind closed doors in the early church). Baptism, when correctly done, can be a marvelous means of evangelism. Baptisms should happen where God in His providence can bring unbelievers to hear a person's testimony, see the humility required to receive Jesus, and witness the joy of new birth.

Before the Baptism

In one sense, there should be no "before the baptism," if we are following New Testament practice. An unbaptized Christian was pretty much inconceivable in the church of the apostles and the church of the first few centuries. New Testament baptism took place immediately. When a person wished to become a Christian, he or she was baptized (Acts 2:38; 10:47). We should strive for this practice in our own church. Altar calls and sinners prayers should be replaced with baptisms. This would be the ideal. But in reality many people wait until long after their conversion to be baptized. Because of this reality we schedule baptisms at regular intervals at New Life for the purpose of baptizing people who have already given their life to God.

On occasions when baptism has been delayed it is good for candidates of baptism to fast prior to their baptism. This was the practice of the early church (which also struggled with the problem of postponed baptisms). Furthermore, baptism is not just a ceremony. It is a time in which we seek God's blessing and a special outpouring of His Spirit. At New Life we expect God to do something in the life of each person baptized. So we encourage people to seek God's blessing by fasting prior to their baptism.

Finally, the pastor should meet with the candidates in prayer prior to the baptism ceremony for the purpose of seeking that blessing of God. Baptism is a unique encounter with the God who pours forth His grace upon all His children.

The Baptism Service

Testimonies should be encouraged, so that believers can be edified and unbelievers can hear the good news of Jesus. People should be encouraged to clap their hands and cheer as the candidate arises from the water or water is poured or sprinkled upon them. This is a celebration time-- a joyous occasion.

The questions which are asked of the baptismal candidate should be a mini-gospel presentation: Are you a sinner? Is Jesus your Savior? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you willing to become his disciple?

The response of the person being baptized ought to include the confession "Jesus is my Lord!" This confession was the heart of baptism from the earliest times according to the New Testament (see Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Colossians 2:6). Baptism appears to have been done in the name of the Father,Son, and Holy Spirit.

Here is a suggested baptismal ceremony for an adult candidate:

Testimony (if any).

Elder: " (Name) , do you admit that you are a sinner and in need of a savior?"

Candidate: "I do."

Elder: " (Name) , do you promise to follow Jesus' commands with His help and

power and turn from whatever displeases Him to a life that pleases God?"

Candidate: "I do."

Elder: " (Name) , who is your savior?"

Candidate: "Jesus is my Savior."

Elder: " (Name) , who is your Lord?"

Candidate: "Jesus is my Lord."

Elder: " (Name) , I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the

Holy Spirit."

Clapping, cheering, and joyous praise.

Source: http://www.new-life.net/bapmode.htm

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