[4nrmike]

Some churches baptize infants and children, others dedicate infants and small children and leave batism until a child can make their own decision. Which does your church practice, and why??

[mcmama]

I like this question!

Today in my episcopal church we baptized three infants during the service. On occasion, we have baptized older children and adults - but baptism is mostly babies, and we have it several times a year.

The idea for us is that the church supports the children in beginning their Christian life, as well as their parents and Godparents. We also support their Christian life as they grow. That was pretty clear today, as people who had grown up in the church have come back, had babies, and those babies were baptized today. It really was a celebration of parish family. One baby's grandma and cousin were serving as acolytes on the altar today.

It is a different experience for adults and older children, a different intentionality, a different support, and a different joy. I remember when my father was baptized as an adult, and it was the no turning back point of his Christian life, a great renewal and beginning all at once.

Today was all babies, but it is nice when we have mixed ages!

[MJ7]

Thanks Mike for starting this thread. It's an interesting subject. I wrote a blog called Dedicating Children which goes into our experience with dedication. The denominations I've attended all do dedication believing that though we all are born with a sinful nature, there is an age of accountablity once a child truly understands what it means to choose Christ. We believe baptism is to happen after submitting your life to Christ and accepting His gift of salvation. In dedication, the child and family is covered in prayer by the congregation. We as parents vow to grow our children up in the Lord and the church agrees to be there for us as well to help us. It was as if we gave our children to the Lord and recognised they are not our possessions but were entrusted into our family to be loved and guided by us. We prayed too that our children would come to know the Lord at the earliest age possible.

[QueenAngie]

We are Lutheran and believe in infant Baptisms, with Godparents.

During junior high, they have re-dedication of their Baptism with Confirmation
For those adults who have not experienced Baptism as an infan
they also have an adult Baptism, but no sponsors or Godparents.

:People were bringing little children
to Jesus to have him touch them,
but the disciples rebuked them.
When Jesus saw this,
he was indignant.
He said to them,
"Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them,
for the kingdom of God
belongs to such as these.
I tell you the truth,
anyone who will not receive
the kingdom of God
like a little child
will never enter it."
And he took the children
in his arms, put his hands on them
and blessed them."

Mark 10:13-16

[pattiewrites]

We are Catholic and do infant baptism. The reasons are the same as mentioned by mcmama and QueenAngie. All three of our girls were baptized as babies and we are planning our new son's baptism in 2 weeks.

[LisaDK]

I do not believe that the Bible teaches that infant baptism is ok. Anytime the Bible talks about baptism, it always involves adults and it always involves immersion (which from what I understand, babies are sprinkled or poured). I believe that one must be accountable to be baptized and become a Christian. I wrote a blog over becoming a Christian. Anyway . . . I also do not think there is authority for dedicating children . . . I think it is the parents' obligation to raise their children in the Lord though.

[MJ7]

I agree with you Lisa on the baptism pretty much though don't think there is any harm in infant baptism. And you're right, there is no biblical authority to pray over our children in dedication to God or to have the church pray for them to grow up with a heart for Christ, I didn't suggest there was. This should be something we'd want to do for our children. Going to the alter for prayer or joining a denomination is not biblical either nor is showering daily or vaccuming the carpet, but they all are good things and shouldn't be condemned. I feel very blessed to be a part of a church that I know cares enough for my kids to take 10-15 min. out of the sermon time to focus on our family in prayer for their future. I'm sure Satan hates seeing prayer where two or more are gathered in His name to pray for a young child's life.

[mcmama]

My mom had a friend who was a Southern Baptist and they baptized by immersion when the children were older. Churches that baptize infants often have a confirmation process later - I am not aware of this among Baptists, but I don't know very much about it.

At what age are children baptized in churches that do not practice infant baptism? Are there coming of age affirmations such as confirmation or religious schooling? And what preparation are the children given for baptism? Is it done as part of a group service, or is it private?

Now ya see 4nrmike, ya got me curious here....and I'm losing sleep....

[MJ7]

I wasn't baptized until I was in my early 20's. Didn't really know it was commanded. I clearly loved the Lord prior and knew He was with me, I just handn't taken that important step. Our church at the time offered a class prior to it explaining more in depth what it was about and making sure we understood what it was and why we were doing it. I don't believe they wanted anyone there who felt forced or preasured to be. I suppose our baptism Mcmama was similar to confirmation in that one makes that concious step forward. There were chidlren as young as 7 and people in their 40's getting baptized.

If I understand correctly, Confirmation is in a way, accepting the baptism they were given as an infant and proclaiming their acceptance of Christ?

[mcmama]

Confirmation is an affirmation of going forward in an adult faith. It often involves preparation which includes studies of Bible and church history. In Catholic churches when I was growing up it involved a study of catechism.

Some protestant churches that have a confirmation class of teens and young adults sometimes will involve a service project as part of the preparation.

A rite of confirmation is performed in some protestant churches that have bishops, which includes being annointed with oil. Other reformation based protestant churches don't have a rite, but I think this from the presbyterian church (PCUSA) website regarding their curriculum Professing Our Faith explains the approach in the United States:

"Confirmation classes provide youth with a consistent standard of education regarding Presbyterian beliefs and a Reformed understanding of Scripture. Confirmation is the best opportunity we have to convey to our children the core beliefs, commitments, and practices that constitute authentic Christianity. We can lay a solid and full foundation that will benefit young people as they consider faith’s relevance to life issues. .... This exploration culminates with an opportunity for each participant to write his or her own statement of faith..... Confirmation is the time when young people claim the promises that were made on their behalf in baptism. Without that public profession of faith, baptism is like a gift that remains unopened. Confirmation is also the time when those who have not yet been baptized receive the opportunity to participate in the catechesis of the story we all profess, the good news of Jesus Christ, as well as the promises God gave through the law and the prophets. In this way, all are prepared to be active participants in the church and to understand the meaning of baptism, whether they have already received it or are preparing to make the choice to do so. Baptism becomes a real birth into new life when the confirmands declare by their words and their actions a life of faith in Jesus Christ."

Now, back to Baptism. How are people prepared, how long does the preparation last, what does it cover, and is it different for children and adults? Are baptisms by immersion done as a class, or individually, or both?