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Baptism


When a person decides to be baptized they will normally have a period of preparation, during which the church (usually in the person of the pastor) will help them understand more about the Christian faith and the meaning of baptism (Matt. 28:19). This usually takes place in the weeks before baptism. 

A baptism in our church is always performed by full immersion in a baptismal pool located at the front of the church, with steps going down into it. Before the baptismal service, the pool is uncovered and it filled with warm water. The worship in song is accompanied by our talented musicians and choir. Normally the service is led by our Senior Pastor.

Prior to being baptized some will give a testimony to the congregation on how they became a Christian and why they have chosen to be baptized. Then, immediately before baptism, they will be asked basic questions of commitment, including an acknowledgement of Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

A minister normally baptizes. He or she will hold the person being baptized, placing one hard on their back and the other on their chest. They will then say the words, 'I baptize you in the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit', and plunge the person being baptized backwards so that they are fully immersed in the water, before raising them back up to standing position. They then leave the water.

The person baptized will often be welcomed into church membership at communion in the same service or at the next opportunity.