Meaning
Baptism is one of the two sacraments (together with the Lord's Supper) that the church celebrates. Baptism is the sign and seal of incorporation into Christ. Its theological meaning is very rich and includes the faithfulness of God, the washing away of sin, rebirth, putting on the fresh garment of Christ, being sealed by God's Spirit, adoption into the covenant family of the church, and resurrection and illumination in Christ.

Children
Together with the majority of Christians throughout the world and throughout the history of the church, Presbyterians practice infant baptism. The child's parents are ordinarily active members of the congregation. They promise to provide nurture and guidance within the community of faith until the child is ready to make a personal profession of faith and assume the responsibility of active church membership. We do not have godparents as the whole congregation promises to participate in the child's Christian nurture. We encourage parents who are joining our church and have not previously had their children baptized to present them at that time or soon after. People sometimes ask if baptism is the same as christening. It is. We just prefer the biblical word "baptism."

Youth and Adults
We are happy to administer the sacrament of baptism to youth and adults who have never before been baptized. It is accompanied by the person's public profession of faith and joining our church. (Please see The Inquirers' Class and How to Join .) In addition to offering periodic Inquirers' classes, which are a good introduction to our church, we can arrange customized tutoring for persons new to the Christian faith. Youth in the eighth grade and older are encouraged to enroll in the Confirmation Class.

Scheduling
The sacrament of baptism is only administered once in a person's life. We accept any previous baptism with a Trinitarian formula ("in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit") regardless of the church or the method (sprinkling or immersion). Baptisms normally take place during public worship on Sunday mornings. If you are interested in baptism for yourself or your child(ren), please contact a minister or call the church office 404.255.2211. If you are not currently a member of the church but would like to be, please see The Inquirers' Class and How to Join.

See more information on the Sacrament of Baptism.