Understanding Baptism in the United Methodist Tradition
In the United Methodist Church, baptism is a sacred act symbolizing God’s love and grace extended to all people. According to our belief, baptism is not just a ritual or tradition, but a profound moment of spiritual significance. Through baptism, we are initiated into the Christian community, becoming part of the family of faith that spans across time and space.
Baptism is a visible sign of God’s invisible grace, representing the washing away of sin and the beginning of new life in Christ. It is a sacrament celebrated with water, symbolizing cleansing, rebirth, and renewal. In baptism, we affirm our faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, committing ourselves to a life of discipleship and service. Whether as infants, youth, or adults, baptism is a sacred moment marking our inclusion in the body of Christ and our journey of faith.
Preparing for Baptism at UMCG
If you’re ready to take the next step in your faith journey and be baptized, we’re thrilled to walk alongside you in this sacred commitment. At the United Methodist Church of Geneva, we celebrate baptisms as part of our regular worship services. Baptisms can be tentatively scheduled on most Sundays, typically excluding the first Sunday of the month when we celebrate communion.
Before your baptism, a required 45-minute conversation with our pastor is necessary to discuss the meaning and significance of baptism, go over the vows, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This meeting ensures that you are fully prepared for this important step in your spiritual life. This can be scheduled to take place in the church at home or video conference. Children, siblings, and babies are welcome to participate in this conversation too.
To begin the baptism process, we invite you to click below to fill out our baptism request form. Please have your preferred baptism date ready and make your request as early as you can. Once the form is completed, our pastor will reach out to set up the required meeting, and our office staff will assist in scheduling the baptism itself.
We look forward to celebrating this joyous occasion with you as you publicly affirm your faith and join the community of believers through baptism.
FAQ
What does it mean if I’ve never been baptized? If you’ve never been baptized, we invite you to celebrate your faith through this sacrament. As stated above, baptism symbolizes putting off the old, renouncing sin, and pledging loyalty to Christ. Through baptism, God initiates a covenant with us, incorporating us into God’s acts of salvation and giving us new birth through water and the Spirit. Adults interested in baptism for themselves can fill out the request form and our Pastor will contact you.
Why do we baptize babies at UMCG? Since ancient times, babies and children have been baptized and included in the church. Baptism signifies God’s grace and initiative in the process of salvation. It is a witness to prevenient grace, bringing us to faith before we are aware of it. Our pastor enjoys having babies present during the pre-baptism conversation.
Do I need to be baptized again if I’ve been baptized before? Baptism, as a sacrament of God’s grace and a covenant initiated by God, and therefore as United Methodists only celebrate one baptism. However, we may feel called to renew our commitment made at baptism. In such cases, UMCG offers the ritual for the reaffirmation of baptismal vows. This reaffirmation signifies our ongoing commitment to Christ and his mission.
How does UMCG baptize people? As United Methodists, we offer baptism in various ways: sprinkling water in the name of the Trinity, pouring water as a sign of cleansing and new life, and immersion in water as a symbol of death and resurrection. These options can be discussed further with our pastor in the pre-baptism conversation.
Is there a fee or expected honorarium? Baptism is a free gift of God’s grace offered to us without price and is part of the ministry of our church. No honorarium is expected for baptisms.
Can I use a room at church to host our family and friends for a reception afterwards? We would be delighted to host your guests for a reception in one of our spaces based upon availability. Scheduling a reception requires the completion of the request form available here.