Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit. It is an act of outward obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior; death to sin; burial of the old life; and resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony to a believer’s faith in an ultimate bodily resurrection to eternal life with Christ in His Kingdom.

Upon profession of faith accompanied with repentance believers are called upon to be baptized.  As a demonstration of one’s faith in Jesus Christ baptism is a desired sacrament that communicates to the world that the individual is a follower of Jesus Christ. When and where possible we believe adults who experience regeneration should seek baptism within a short period of time in obedience to the Apostle’s command in Acts 2:38.

Additionally, we do not have a determined age upon which a person is eligible for baptism. An individual must be able to articulate their own profession of faith, demonstrating their understanding and grasp of the gospel.  Sharing their testimony with a pastor is part of the baptism process.

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Can Parents/Grandparents Baptize their Children?

1 Peter 2:5 says, “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”  If you are a follower of Christ, you are, biblically, a priest.

The majority of the New Testament presumes believers are being trained to be ministers of the gospel and a disciplers of men.  There is not a pastor/laity divide in this for most of our Christian life.  

One of the most famous passages in the Bible is what we call the Great Commission.  It is Matt 28:18-20 and says, “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”

This is the charge for all Christian believers for all time.  We are to “make disciples,” “baptize them,” and “teach them to observe all that” Christ commands.

A Christian parents first obligation is to the discipleship of their children.  If we are to disciple them, and we are a royal priesthood, it follows that we can baptize them as well.  The parent or grand-parent must be a follower of Christ, and the children must have placed their trust in the finished work of Christ for their salvation.

Generally, the person must also be a member of Metro Life Church who is performing the baptism, but circumstances may allow for a case by case determination after discussion with one of our Elders.