The Apprentice Pathway
This guide equips you for the sacred privilege of walking with someone through baptism. Below is the full process, from the first conversation to the path forward. Click any step to learn more.
Step 1: The Initial Conversation (Taking a History)
When someone expresses interest, your guiding word is history. Ask open-ended questions to understand what brought them to this moment. Below are some helpful starters before moving on to assess the key areas of their story.
Helpful Conversation Starters:
- Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Tell me about your family.
- What is your faith background?
- When did you first start thinking about baptism?
- Tell me what you know about baptism.
- What questions do you have about baptism?
- Why is baptism your next step?
As you listen, you are gently assessing three key areas:
1. Theological Foundations
Do they understand the Gospel? Assess their sense of sin and their trust in Jesus as the only way.
2. Previous Experience
You must ask: "Have you been baptized before?" This opens the door to discuss sprinkling vs. immersion and repentance vs. re-baptism.
3. The Pivot to Scripture
Ask: "Have you seen what the Bible says?" This respectfully moves the conversation's authority from tradition to the Text.
Step 2: Navigating Common Scenarios
Your pastoral wisdom is key in guiding people through their specific circumstances. Three of the most common topics are age-related readiness, the desire for re-baptism, and our church's stance on baptism and salvation.
When a parent brings a young child for baptism, it is wise to slow the process down. This is not to create a barrier, but to ensure the child has a personal understanding. Consider discussing these questions with the parents:
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Does your child know why they want to get baptized and can they explain their reasonings?
Children sometimes develop an interest in baptism because they see it as a rite of passage. If a child is ready, their primary motivations will be more substantial than this.
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Can your child personalize sin?
When confronted, can they identify genuine issues relating to their character, or do they focus on superficial flaws? It is important for anyone considering baptism to understand why they need forgiveness.
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Does your child have a realistic conception of what a commitment to Jesus means?
Explore what they think it means to follow Jesus in their daily life.
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Is your child old enough to retain distinct memories of the experience?
Many adults speak of the benefits of being able to remember their baptism and the anxiety that comes from not remembering. Gently explain that from experience, we see many adults who were baptized very young struggle with the meaning of their baptism later in life.
Most conversations about re-baptism are with those who feel they have failed in their faith. This is a moment to point them to the sufficiency of the cross.
- Repentance vs. Re-baptism: Remind them that Jesus’ sacrifice was "once for all time" (Hebrews 10:12). Their security is in His perfection, not their own. The daily Christian practice is repentance, not re-baptism.
- When Re-baptism is Appropriate: A new baptism is appropriate if the first was not a biblical baptism (e.g., infant sprinkling) or when the person can honestly say their first immersion was not an act of genuine faith.
This is an area of rich theological discussion, and it's vital that we approach it with both clarity in our convictions and deep charity toward those who hold different perspectives.
Our church's position is that baptism is not essential for the moment of salvation, but it is an essential and non-negotiable act of obedience for every follower of Jesus.
To understand this, we look to the pattern of the early church. In the New Testament, belief, repentance, and baptism were not seen as separate, sequential events, but as deeply intertwined facets of a single, unified act of turning to and embracing Christ. It was a holistic expression of conversion. Our role as leaders is to be peacemakers in this conversation. This doesn't mean we avoid the distinctions, but that we model a gracious spirit. We are called to gently guide people toward the full counsel of Scripture, helping them to see baptism not as a point of contention, but as a beautiful, unifying act of commitment that Scripture prescribes for every believer.
Step 3: A Journey Through Scripture
Your role is to guide people through the biblical narrative. You don't need to be a scholar, just a fellow traveler pointing to the beauty and truth in the text.
Step 4: The Mechanics of Baptism
Understanding the physical and logistical mechanics ensures the moment is one of peace and celebration, not awkwardness.
Preparing the Candidate
- Explain the Process: Calmly tell them exactly what you'll do to remove uncertainty.
- Give Simple Instructions: "Let your knees bend like you're sitting in a chair. Feel free to pinch your nose."
- Offer Reassurance: Your calm confidence is contagious. Remind them this is a safe, joyful moment.
The Step-by-Step Action
- The Confession: Ask, "Do you believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God...?"
- The Declaration: Say, "Upon your confession of faith, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
- The Immersion: Say "...buried with Him..." as you lower them, and "...raised to walk in newness of life!" as you raise them. Then, celebrate!
BAPTISM LOGISTICS
CHECKLIST FOR A GOOD PROCESS
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FILL OUT CCB FORM
Include name, contact info, T-shirt size, baptizer, and date/time. This notifies admin and worship teams.
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ANNOUNCE ON TEAMS TO STAFF
We want to witness and celebrate as many baptisms as we can together.
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CONTACT THE CANDIDATE ABOUT DETAILS
Confirm date/time. Check in the day before. Remind them about clothing and towels.
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AUDITORIUM PREP (IF NOT ON SUNDAY)
Set lights, open curtain, clear stage, and prepare camera with data card.
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AUDITORIUM CLEAN-UP (IF NOT ON SUNDAY)
Close and lock back rooms, close curtain, set stage back, and turn off lights.
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POST-BAPTISM FOLLOW-UP
Transfer video file to Connections Minister. Update CCB status to "NS: Baptized" with date. Mail video, certificate, and letter. Upload video to Teams "Baptisms" file.
Baptism is a Starting Point, Not a Finish Line
The work of apprenticeship begins in earnest after the water. Our role continues as we encourage connection to the church body, community groups, spiritual practices, and a life of continued growth, always remembering the grace received in this beautiful moment.