Believer's Baptism
The majority of Christian churches affirm baptism as a moment when we receive God's gift and respond in faith, but not all practice believer's baptism. Many baptise those who are too young to make their own response of commitment to Christian discipleship, and so parents make promises on their behalf that are later 'confirmed' by the person themselves when they are of an age to do so.
We believe baptism of believers is the pattern that is set out for us in scripture. Jesus set the example for us when he was baptised by John the Baptist. On the Day of Pentecost Peter told the people to "Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit".
Baptism is when we make our personal commitment of faith in Jesus as Lord. The person who comes forward for baptism therefore needs to be old
enough to know what they believe. Baptism takes place by full immersion in water symbolising:
> the end of our old life and of being born again to new life in Christ;
> repentance and cleansing;
> being united with Christ in his death and resurrection, and
> witnessing to the call of God upon our lives.
> receiving God's Spirit for service in the church and in the world.