A Guide to Baptism at Wesley United Methodist Church
What is Baptism?
Baptism is a sacrament‚ ritual practice that is an expression of God's grace. Baptism conveys that we are accepted, renewed, and reconciled by God's grace and welcomed into the church. Baptism also involves our acceptance of God's unconditional love for us and repentance of our sin. We believe that at baptism, God's grace begins to work in our lives‚ shaping and forming us into people whose lives reflect our love for God, one another, and the world.
At What Age Should Someone Be Baptized?
In the United Methodist Church, baptism may occur at any age because we believe that God's grace is a gift offered to us at any age, and is not conditional on our faith or worthiness.
When we baptize infants and young children, we celebrate God's grace in their life and their inclusion into the church. Parents make a commitment to raise their child in the church, and the church commits to nurture and support the child as they grow in
their faith.
When we baptize older children and adults, we emphasize not only the gift of God's grace and their inclusion in the church but also their repentance and profession of faith.
Baptism and Church Membership
Baptism is the first step in Christian life and a requirement for church membership. If you were baptized in another Christian denomination, we recognize your baptism. If you wish to join the church and you have not been baptized, we would be honored to baptize you.
What Must Someone Do to Be Baptized?
If you are interested in baptism for yourself or for your child, we encourage you to contact our church office at (817) 274-2571.
What Do We Believe About Rebaptism?
The United Methodist Church believes baptism is the work of God, not the work of the church. We believe God's grace endures and God's promises are never broken and, therefore, do not practice rebaptism at our church. However, we as humans often fail to keep our promises to God and so our church offers opportunities to reaffirm baptismal vows.
